Animal World > Coral Reef > Zoanthids

Parazoanthus gracillus

  Zoanthids are generally a very undemanding coral.  Of course like most sessile organisms they need good water flow to bring food and help rid them of waste. The species that contain zooxanthellae require strong lighting source. Those that do not contain zooxanthellae don't require the strong lighting but will not be adversely affected by it.

  In nature zoanthids are often found in turbid, high-nitrate areas in canals, harbors, intertidal areas and reefs. For this reason they are fairly tolerant of poor water quality high nitrates,  phosphates an dissolved organics.   They will not however do well if filamentous algae is allowed to grow as they can be smothered.

Compatibility: When it comes to placing zoanthids next to corallimorphs, (mushroom anemones), the zoanthids almost always lose. Always place these kinds of corals a good distance away from each other.  One should also be aware that there are several fish species that will dine on zoanthids.  These fish include the Raccoon Butterflyfish, Chaetodon lunula, which have been used recently to eat aiptasias, many filefish (Monacanthidae), and sharpnose puffers (Tetraodontidae).

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