Agave Zoanthids are eye-catching, hardy polyps that make a great addition to most reef tanks. Their bold, contrasting colors really pop under blue lighting, and they usually grow into dense, attractive colonies with basic care.

Tank Placement & Lighting

Agave Zoas are fairly forgiving, but placement still matters if you want strong color and healthy growth.

• Lighting: Moderate LED lighting is ideal. Too much intensity can cause them to shrink and lose color; too little and they’ll stretch toward the light.
• Flow: Aim for low to moderate, indirect flow. Polyps should sway gently, not fold over or close up from strong currents.
• Placement: Start them on a small rock island or lower rockwork so you can control their spread and easily move the colony if needed.

Care, Feeding & Growth Control

Once settled, Agave Zoanthids can grow quickly. Good husbandry keeps them colorful and prevents them from overrunning slower corals.

• Water parameters: Keep stable reef conditions: salinity 1.025–1.026, temperature 77–79°F, alkalinity 8–9 dKH, and low but measurable nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm).
• Feeding: While they can live off light and dissolved nutrients, occasional target feeding with fine coral foods or reef roids can boost growth and color.
• Growth control: Place them away from prized slow-growers. Trim back colonies by fragging outer polyps and moving them to a frag rack or trading with other hobbyists.

Tip: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling zoanthids. Some varieties can release palytoxin if damaged, so treat every zoa colony with respect.

With stable water, moderate light, and a bit of space to spread, Agave Zoanthids can become a vibrant centerpiece in your reef without demanding advanced-level care.