White Zombies Zoanthids

White Zombie Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) – Description & Care Guide

Description:

The White Zombie Zoanthid is a rare and highly sought-after soft coral, known for its deep red base, with vibrant blue/white splotches that spread across the polyp, and a glowing neon mouth. This unique pattern creates a stunning marbled effect, making it one of the most visually striking zoas available. Under actinic blue lighting, the blue and white streaks intensify, creating an eerie, high-contrast glow that makes it a standout piece in any reef tank. Like most Zoanthids, White Zombies are hardy, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly, perfect for adding intense color and pattern variation to a reef system.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (10+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but can spread rapidly, potentially overgrowing neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-200); actinic blue LED lighting enhances their intricate patterns.
• Flow: Moderate to high – prevents detritus buildup and encourages full polyp extension.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands to manage rapid growth.
  • Allow space for spreading or isolate to prevent unwanted expansion.
• Feeding:
  • Primarily relies on photosynthesis via zooxanthellae.
  • Benefits from broadcast feeding with:
    • Reef amino acids
    • Phytoplankton
    • Powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids)
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.025-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm)

Compatibility:

• Very peaceful, suitable near most corals.
• Best kept with other soft corals or non-aggressive LPS.
• Avoid placement near aggressive corals such as Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora.

Special Considerations:

• Growth Management: White Zombie Zoas grow quickly; placing them on isolated rocks helps control their spread.
• Coloration Enhancement: Their deep red base and blue/white streaks appear most vivid under blue-dominant LED lighting.
• Palytoxin Warning: May contain palytoxins; always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging.

Summary:

The White Zombie Zoanthid is a hardy, fast-growing, and uniquely patterned coral, perfect for adding vibrant red, blue, and white streaks to reef tanks. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, White Zombie Zoas will thrive and form eye-catching, high-contrast colonies, making them an excellent addition for both collectors and hobbyists looking to add something truly special to their reef.