Fruit Loops Zoa

Fruit Loops Zoa: The Multi-Colored Colonial Polyp

The Fruit Loops Zoa (Zoanthus species) is an iconic and highly collectible strain of Zoanthid (Colonial Anemone/Polyp). Zoanthids are celebrated for their ease of care, resilience, and complex, polychromatic patterns.

This specific strain is named "Fruit Loops" due to its resemblance to the brightly colored cereal rings. It is characterized by a complex, multi-color profile that can include a neon green or blue center mouth, surrounded by rings or bands of color on the oral disk that transition through red, hot pink, orange, and yellow. The combination creates a highly saturated, multi-color target appearance on each polyp, making it one of the most sought-after Zoas.

The Fruit Loops 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: Fruit Loops Zoa
• Other Common Names: Polychromatic Zoa, Rainbow Zoanthid
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• 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