Florida Orange Zoa

Florida Orange Zoa: The Highly Fluorescent Orange Polyp

The Florida Orange Zoa (Zoanthus species) is an extremely popular and vibrant collector strain of Zoanthid (Colonial Anemone/Polyp). Zoanthids are highly favored for their ease of care, rapid growth, and stunning, saturated colors.

This specific strain is named for its intense, unmistakable coloration. It is characterized by a highly fluorescent, brilliant orange skirt (tentacles) that contrasts sharply with a bright yellow or gold mouth and center disk. The polyps exhibit a stunning, saturated glow that stands out vividly under blue-spectrum reef lighting.

The Florida Orange Zoa grows in a colonial, matting morphology, spreading over rockwork and forming dense clusters. It is considered an Easy care coral and is highly durable, making it an excellent choice for beginner and advanced reefers alike.

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: PALYTOXIN ⚠️

Zoanthids, especially certain species, may contain Palytoxin, which can be extremely hazardous if it enters the bloodstream, is ingested, or becomes aerosolized (e.g., by handling damaged polyps, scrubbing rocks, or boiling). Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, when handling Zoanthids. Never use boiling water or tools that may atomize the coral material. Consult a physician immediately if exposed.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also a highly efficient Filter Feeder/Carnivore.
• Feeding: Zoanthids feed readily and greatly benefit from targeted feeding, which encourages larger polyp size and faster colony growth. Target feed 2-3 times per week with shrimp eggs, rotifers, brine shrimp, or fine coral food powders.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Zoanthids do not actively sting neighbors, but they will aggressively compete for space by growing over other corals. Provide space to prevent overgrowth.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Competitive toward other corals. It should be positioned on low to mid-rockwork where it receives Moderate PAR lighting (75-150 PAR), which is sufficient for growth and color, and moderate, non-turbulent water flow to keep the colony clean and deliver food.
• Water Requirements:** Requires stable parameters. Zoanthids are tolerant of slightly higher nutrient levels than SPS. Target ranges: Alkalinity (dKH 7.5-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1250-1400 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Zoanthus sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Florida Orange Zoa
• Other Common Names: Gold Mouth Zoa, NEON Orange Zoanthid
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific/Florida region)
• Max Size: Polyps typically 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter, forms large mats
• Temperament: Peaceful (Competitive via overgrowth; potentially toxic)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, durable beginner coral)
• Care Level: Easy