Chiquita Zoas

About this coral

Chiquita Zoas are zoanthid/palythoa polyps sold for reef aquariums as “zoas,” prized for their vibrant, colony-forming appearance and lively polyps. While individual named varieties may differ in color, the practical aquarium use is the same: they attach to rock or frag plugs and grow into an attractive, low-profile mat that adds color and movement to reef displays.

Features:

• Colony-forming polyps that expand over time, helping fill in live rock and aquascape
• A popular choice for reef aquariums that want color and active polyp extension
• Generally well-suited to stable, established saltwater systems where water quality is maintained
• Typically rely on light-driven photosynthesis (zooxanthellae), supporting their use in reef lighting
• Useful as a hardy “beginner reef” coral group when placed under appropriate light and flow
• Can help add natural texture and a living surface for aquascape contrast
• Handle with care: zoanthids/palythoas are known to produce compounds that may irritate skin and are best handled with protective precautions

Specifications:

• Group: Zoanthids / Palythoa (coral polyps)
• Care level (general guidance): Generally easy to moderate for reef setups with stable water quality
• Lighting (general guidance): Moderate to high light
• Water flow (general guidance): Moderate, with gentle movement that avoids blasting the polyps
• Placement (general guidance): On stable rock or an attached plug area where polyps can spread
• Water temperature (general guidance): About 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity (general guidance): Typical reef salinity around 1.025–1.026
• pH (general guidance): Approx. 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity (general guidance): Approx. 7–11 dKH
• Calcium (general guidance): Approx. 380–450 ppm
• Magnesium (general guidance): Approx. 1250–1350 ppm
• Diet (general guidance): Primarily photosynthesis; may also benefit from dissolved organics and occasional small feedings suited to reef invertebrates