Rasta Zoanthids: Iconic Color Explosion for Your Reef
Infuse your saltwater aquarium with the legendary vibrancy of Rasta Zoanthids. Named for their unmistakable reggae-inspired color palette, these highly collectible zoas are a true showpiece in any reef tank. Each polyp features a brilliant lime-green center and mouth, surrounded by a striking reddish-orange ring, all set against a deep blue or purple skirt with delicate contrasting streaks. This electrifying combination creates a neon glow that intensifies under actinic lighting, making the Rasta Zoa an absolute must-have for zoa enthusiasts and color hunters alike.
Aquacultured & Tank-Ready
This frag is aquacultured, meaning it has been propagated and grown in a controlled captive environment. As a result, it is significantly hardier, less susceptible to disease, and more adaptable to the conditions of home aquariums than wild-collected specimens. You will receive a healthy, established frag with multiple polyps, securely attached to a frag plug. Each frag typically measures ¾ to 1 inch across and is ready to acclimate to your system.
Beginner-Friendly & Resilient
Rasta Zoanthids are known for their forgiving nature, making them an excellent choice for reefers of all experience levels—from novices setting up their first tank to seasoned collectors expanding their zoa gardens. They are robust, tolerate minor water parameter fluctuations, and bounce back quickly when provided with stable conditions.
Lighting & Flow
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Lighting: Thrives under a wide range of lighting, from moderate to intense (T5, LED, or metal halide). For the best coloration, an ideal PAR range of 100–200 is recommended. Higher lighting will intensify their neon hues, while lower lighting can encourage polyp extension.
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Water Flow: Prefers low to moderate, indirect water flow. Gentle, intermittent flow will keep the polyps clean and fully extended, allowing them to sway naturally without retracting.
Placement & Growth
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Placement: Position them in the middle to upper zones of your rockwork, depending on your lighting intensity. They are peaceful towards other corals but can be outcompeted by more aggressive neighbors. Give them ample space to spread, or place them on a dedicated zoa island to easily manage their expansion.
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Growth Rate: This is a moderate-to-fast growing zoa that will reward you with new polyps on a regular basis under optimal conditions. With proper care, a small frag will quickly develop into a dense, eye-catching colony.
Feeding & Nutrition
While Rasta Zoanthids derive the majority of their nutritional needs from photosynthesis via their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they will benefit from supplemental feeding. Target feeding with fine particulate foods such as reef roids, amino acids, or phytoplankton once or twice a week can accelerate growth and enhance color saturation.
Recommended Water Parameters
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Temperature: 72–78°F
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Salinity: 1.023–1.026
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
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Nitrate: 1–10 ppm
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Phosphate: 0.02–0.10 ppm
A Reggae Legend for Your Zoa Garden
The Rasta Zoanthid is more than just a coral—it's a conversation piece. Its unmistakable tri-color pattern and neon brilliance make it a standout addition that will elevate the visual appeal of any reefscape. Whether you are starting a new collection or adding to an established zoa garden, this iconic morph delivers unmatched beauty, hardiness, and growth. Add this reggae legend to your tank today and enjoy a living masterpiece of color and movement.
Important Handling Note: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling Zoanthids and Palythoa, as some species can contain a potent toxin (palytoxin) that is harmful to humans and pets.