WYSIWYG Fiji Multicolor Zoanthid Colony - 002

Fiji Multicolor Zoanthid: Vibrant WYSIWYG Colony

The Fiji Multicolor Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) is a striking soft coral prized for its incredible variety of colors, dense polyp growth, and ability to transform reef rockwork into a living field of color. Zoanthids are among the most recognizable corals in the reef hobby and are especially popular for the enormous variety of color combinations found across different colonies.

This WYSIWYG specimen is a large, established multicolor colony featuring numerous polyps with a diverse mix of green, yellow, red, and orange tones. Rather than featuring a single uniform color morph, this colony displays multiple contrasting patterns across the rock, giving it a unique appearance from nearly every angle. Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, the fluorescent greens, yellows, and warmer colors become especially vivid.

Zoanthids grow as colonies of individual polyps connected by a shared mat of tissue. As the colony becomes established, new polyps can develop around its edges and gradually spread across nearby rockwork. This growth pattern makes zoanthids particularly useful for adding color and coverage to areas of a reef aquarium while maintaining the distinctive appearance of individual polyps.

Fiji Multicolor Zoanthids are photosynthetic, receiving much of their energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae within their tissue. They can also absorb nutrients and capture very fine suspended foods from the water column. Supplemental feeding is not required but can support healthy growth when provided in moderation.

Zoanthids are generally considered hardy and adaptable compared with many stony corals, making them suitable for a wide range of established reef aquariums. They typically thrive under moderate lighting and low-to-moderate water flow that keeps debris from settling on the colony without preventing the polyps from fully opening.

WYSIWYG: The entire multicolor colony pictured is the exact coral you will receive.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: Mixotroph. Primarily photosynthetic but also capable of absorbing dissolved nutrients and capturing very fine suspended foods.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is optional. Fine particulate coral foods, finely crushed marine foods, or other appropriately sized zooplankton-based foods may be offered approximately 1–2 times per week. Avoid excessive feeding, as zoanthids receive much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe. Zoanthids are generally compatible with reef-safe fish and invertebrates but should be given sufficient room to spread as the colony grows.
• Spacing: Allow room around the colony for future growth. Zoanthids can gradually spread onto adjacent rockwork and may compete for space with neighboring corals.
• Temperament: Generally Peaceful, although their rapid encrusting growth can eventually bring them into competition with nearby corals.
• Placement: Suitable for lower-to-middle rockwork, depending on lighting intensity. Placement on an isolated rock can also help control the colony's spread as it grows.
• Water Flow: Low to Moderate. Enough flow should be provided to keep debris from settling between the polyps while still allowing the colony to remain fully extended.
• Lighting: Low to Moderate reef lighting is generally suitable. Coloration can become particularly intense under blue-spectrum lighting. New colonies should be gradually acclimated to stronger lighting.
• Water Requirements: Maintain stable reef conditions with consistent temperature, salinity, alkalinity, and nutrient levels. Zoanthids are relatively adaptable but perform best when rapid parameter swings are avoided.
• Handling: Zoanthids should be handled carefully and preferably with gloves and eye protection. Some zoanthids can contain palytoxin or related toxins, so avoid contact with the eyes or mouth and thoroughly wash exposed skin after handling. Never boil or expose zoanthid-covered rock to hot water or steam.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Zoanthus sp.
• Primary Common Name: Fiji Multicolor Zoanthid
• Other Common Names: Fiji Multicolor Zoas, Multicolor Zoanthid Colony, Fiji Zoanthid Colony
• Coral Type: Soft Coral / Colonial Polyp
• Colony Size: Large Established Colony
• Coloration: Green, Yellow, Red, Orange, Purple & Burgundy
• Growth Form: Encrusting / Colonial
• Origin: Fiji / Indo-Pacific
• Temperament: Peaceful, but can spread onto neighboring rockwork
• Diet: Photosynthetic / Planktivorous
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding optional
• Placement: Lower to Middle Rockwork
• Water Flow: Low to Moderate
• Lighting: Low to Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• WYSIWYG: Yes — the pictured multicolor colony is the exact specimen you will receive