Halle Berry Zoa

Halle Berry Zoa: The Dramatic Black and Red Beauty

The Halle Berry Zoa (Zoanthus species) is an iconic and highly collectible strain of Zoanthid (Colonial Anemone/Polyp). Zoanthids are prized for their ease of care, resilience, and unique, high-contrast coloration.

This specific strain is named for its striking and intense beauty, characterized by a powerful contrast between dark and bright colors. It typically features a deep, dark black, brown, or purplish skirt (tentacles) that forms a dramatic backdrop. This is offset by a highly visible, contrasting oral disk (face) in bright metallic red, deep orange, or cherry red. The dark base makes the fluorescent center glow intensely, creating a captivating focal point.

The Halle Berry 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, thriving in a variety of established reef tank conditions.

⚠️ 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 often ideal for maximizing the color contrast, 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: Halle Berry Zoa
• Other Common Names: Black Skirt Red Face Zoa, Metallic Red Zoanthid
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Polyps typically 0.5 to 0.75 inches 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