Darkside Chiquita Zoa

About this coral

Darkside Chiquita Zoa is a zoanthid/paly ("zoa") coral colony sold for reef aquariums. These are soft-polyp invertebrates that add bold color and busy polyps to live rock or reef structures, making them a popular choice for aquascapes where you want an easy, high-impact, photosynthetic centerpiece. In practice, they’re commonly kept on stable rockwork under reef lighting with gentle water movement, where they can extend their polyps for feeding and photosynthesis.

Features:

• Polyp-forming zoanthids that create a colorful, lively look as they extend and retract throughout the day
• Useful for reef displays and mixed tanks because they typically do well when kept in stable, established saltwater conditions
• Coral polyps rely largely on lighting for photosynthesis, so they’re designed to be placed under appropriate reef illumination
• Often preferred for rock-and-rubble placement, helping you build a dense, natural-looking section of the aquascape
• Compatible with common reef setups that provide gentle to moderate flow without blast-level currents

Specifications:

• Coral group: Zoanthid/paly polyp colony (Zoanthids & Palys)
• Care level (general guidance): Generally considered beginner-friendly when provided stable reef conditions
• Lighting (general guidance): Moderate to high reef light
• Water flow (general guidance): Low to moderate, avoiding strong direct blasting
• Placement (general guidance): Secure to live rock or aquascape; keep in a consistent spot with appropriate light and flow
• Typical temperature range (reef general): About 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Typical salinity (reef general): About 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
• Typical pH (reef general): About 8.1–8.4
• Typical alkalinity (reef general): About 7–11 dKH
• Typical calcium (reef general): About 380–450 ppm
• Typical magnesium (reef general): About 1,250–1,350 ppm