Pandora Zoa

Pandora Zoa: The Electric Blue and Neon Green Target

The Pandora Zoa (Zoanthus species) is one of the most famous, highly fluorescent, and popular collector strains of Zoanthid (Colonial Anemone/Polyp). Zoanthids are universally valued for their hardiness, rapid colonization, and brilliant, saturated colors.

This specific strain is named "Pandora" for its otherworldly, glowing appearance, characterized by a classic, high-contrast "target" pattern. It features an intense, glowing electric blue or teal oral disk (face) that is sharply defined and ringed around a brilliant, neon green or yellow mouth/center. The skirt (tentacles) often has a darker rim or purple hue, focusing all visual attention on the vibrant, fluorescent blue and green center.

The Pandora Zoa grows in a colonial, matting morphology, spreading rapidly over rockwork and forming dense clusters. It is considered an Easy care coral and is highly durable, making it an excellent, robust choice for any established reef tank.

⚠️ 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 ideal for maximizing the fluorescent colors, 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: Pandora Zoa
• Other Common Names: Blue Face Zoa, Neon Green Mouth 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