Magicians Zoanthid

Magicians Zoanthid Care: Colorful Polyps for Every Reef Tank

The Magicians Zoanthid is a favorite among reef aquarists for its bold red and orange skirts, dark centers, and eye-catching pattern. Hardy, fast-growing, and relatively easy to keep, this zoa makes an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced reef keepers looking to add a splash of color to their rockwork.

Magicians Zoanthid Placement & Lighting

Finding the right spot for your Magicians Zoanthid is key to getting the best color and polyp extension. These corals are adaptable, but they do have preferences.

  • Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (60–150) is usually ideal. Too much light can cause the polyps to shrink and colors to wash out.
  • Placement: Start on the sandbed or lower rockwork and slowly move up if needed.
  • Flow: Moderate, indirect flow that keeps debris off the colony without blasting the polyps.
  • Acclimation: Light-acclimate over 1–2 weeks whenever you change intensity or move the colony higher.

For more on lighting and PAR ranges, see our guide to zoanthid care.

Water Parameters & Feeding

Like most zoanthids, Magicians are forgiving, but they respond best to clean, stable water. Consistency is more important than chasing perfect numbers.

  • Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrate: 5–15 ppm; Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

Magicians Zoanthids host symbiotic zooxanthellae and get most of their energy from light, but target feeding can boost growth and color.

  • Offer fine particle foods like reef roids, powdered coral foods, or very small meaty foods.
  • Feed 1–2 times per week, turning off flow briefly so food can settle on the polyps.
  • Avoid overfeeding to prevent nutrient spikes and algae issues.

Growth, Safety & Common Issues

Given good conditions, Magicians Zoanthids can spread quickly, forming dense mats across rock surfaces. Plan their placement so they don’t overshadow slower-growing neighbors.

  • Space planning: Place them on an isolated rock or island if you want to limit spread.
  • Pest checks: Inspect regularly for nudibranchs, zoa-eating spiders, or sundial snails.
  • Palytoxin awareness: Handle with gloves, avoid exposing colonies to extreme heat, and never scrub them with hot water.

Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with zoanthids and palythoas, and wash your hands thoroughly after maintenance.

If your Magicians Zoanthid stays closed for more than a few days, check for pests, verify stable parameters, and review lighting changes. Slow, measured adjustments usually bring them back to full extension.

Ready to pair Magicians with other colorful polyps? Explore our overview of beginner soft corals and our zoa color combination ideas to design a vibrant, balanced reef layout.