Solar Flare Zoanthids Coral Frag

Solar Flare Zoanthids, Zoanthus sp., are colonial zoanthids known for their vivid color patterns, rounded oral discs, and mat-forming growth. This WYSIWYG coral frag displays brilliant red to orange centers surrounded by bright yellow radial coloration, green outer skirts, and pink to purple margins. The intense multicolor pattern gives this variety the fiery appearance reflected in the Solar Flare trade name. Zoanthus polyps grow from a common tissue mat and can gradually spread across surrounding rockwork under favorable reef conditions. They contain symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis, while the polyps can also capture suspended organic material and fine foods. Because exact species identification within Zoanthus cannot be reliably determined from external appearance alone, Zoanthus sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation for this specimen.

Care Guide: Zoanthus sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with moderate, indirect water flow. Provide enough circulation to keep debris from settling between the polyps without preventing them from fully opening. Place the frag on stable rockwork with room for the colony to spread. Maintain stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Zoanthids are primarily photosynthetic but may benefit from dissolved nutrients and occasional fine particulate or planktonic foods. Because zoanthids may contain palytoxin or related compounds, avoid handling damaged tissue with bare hands and use appropriate eye and skin protection when cutting, fragging, or otherwise disturbing the colony.