Candy Apple Zoanthids

About this coral

Candy Apple Zoanthids are zoanthid soft corals (zoas) sold as a named aquacultured morph for use in reef aquariums. They’re valued for hardy, polyp-based colonies that can add bright, high-contrast look to live rock and frag systems. In general reefkeeping, zoanthids rely on aquarium lighting for photosynthesis from their symbiotic algae, so proper light and stable water conditions are key for keeping polyps open and supporting steady growth.

Features:

• Zoanthid polyp colonies make a colorful, display-focused soft-coral addition to reef aquariums
• Typically suited to low-to-moderate lighting in reef setups, with placement adjusted as needed for your specific tank
• Generally prefer gentle-to-moderate water movement so polyps remain open and debris-free
• For best long-term results, follow the stability principle—avoid swings in salinity, temperature, and alkalinity
• As a photosynthetic soft coral, they benefit from aquarium lighting appropriate for zoanthids
• Keep nutrient and water quality reasonably maintained; many keepers target measurable nitrates and phosphates rather than stripping the tank too aggressively
• Handle zoanthids with care and use basic safety precautions, since zoantharians (zoas/palys) can contain palytoxin depending on the specific animal
• Newly introduced colonies may take time to fully open while acclimating to your lighting and flow

Specifications:

• Coral type: Zoanthid soft coral (zoas)
• Care level (general guidance): Beginner-to-intermediate (generally considered relatively forgiving for zoanthids)
• Light: Low to moderate (general zoanthid guidance)
• Water flow: Low to moderate (general zoanthid guidance)
• Temperature: 75–78 °F (general guidance)
• Salinity: Specific gravity 1.025–1.026 (general guidance)
• pH: 8.1–8.4 (general guidance)
• Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH (general guidance)
• Calcium: ~400–450 ppm (general guidance)
• Magnesium: ~1250–1450 ppm (general guidance)