“`html
Miami Vice Zoa: A Vibrant Reef Aquarium Addition
Miami Vice Zoanthids, often called Miami Vice Zoas, are a popular type of coral known for their bright, contrasting colors. These small, colonial invertebrates are favored by reef aquarium hobbyists for their relatively easy care and stunning appearance. Their name aptly reflects the vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of the 1980s television show Miami Vice.
What are Miami Vice Zoanthids?
Zoanthids, belonging to the order Zoantharia, are a type of soft coral made up of individual polyps connected by a common base. Miami Vice Zoas are a specific color morph characterized by a striking combination of colors, typically including bright green centers surrounded by orange or red skirts and often accented with blue or purple around the mouth. These vibrant colors make them highly sought after by reef keepers.
Care and Keeping of Miami Vice Zoas
These Zoanthids are generally considered beginner-friendly corals. They thrive in a variety of water conditions and are relatively tolerant of minor fluctuations. Here are some key aspects of their care:
Water Parameters
Maintain a stable environment with the following parameters:
- Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 specific gravity
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
Lighting
Miami Vice Zoas can adapt to a range of lighting conditions, from moderate to high. Observe your corals and adjust lighting accordingly. Too little light can cause them to lose color, while too much can cause them to close up or bleach. Using a quality reef light is essential for their health and coloration. Learn more about Zoantharia on Wikipedia.
Flow
Moderate water flow is recommended. This helps to keep detritus from settling on the polyps and provides them with a constant supply of nutrients.
Feeding
While Zoanthids obtain some nutrients through photosynthesis, supplemental feeding can enhance their growth and coloration. Offer small amounts of zooplankton or coral-specific foods a few times a week.
Placement in the Aquarium
Miami Vice Zoas can be placed on rocks or frag plugs. Ensure they have enough space to grow and do not come into contact with other corals that may sting them. Because they can spread quickly, many hobbyists keep them on isolated “zoa gardens” to control their growth.
Potential Problems
Like all corals, Miami Vice Zoas are susceptible to pests and diseases. Common problems include:
- Zoa Eating Nudibranchs: These small slugs feed on Zoanthids and can quickly decimate a colony.
- Zoa Pox: A bacterial infection that causes white spots on the polyps.
- Algae Overgrowth: Algae can smother the polyps, preventing them from opening and feeding.
FAQs About Miami Vice Zoas
What makes Miami Vice Zoas so colorful?
The vibrant colors are due to a combination of pigments within the coral’s tissues, influenced by genetics, lighting, and water chemistry.
How fast do Miami Vice Zoas grow?
Growth rates vary depending on conditions, but they can typically spread fairly quickly under optimal conditions, forming new polyps regularly.
Are Miami Vice Zoas toxic?
Yes, like many Zoanthids, they contain palytoxin, a potent toxin. Handle them with gloves and avoid touching your eyes or mouth after handling.
What size tank do I need for Miami Vice Zoas?
They can thrive in nano tanks (under 30 gallons) as well as larger aquariums. Tank size depends more on your overall reef setup.
How can I frag Miami Vice Zoas?
Fragging involves carefully cutting or breaking off a section of the colony and attaching it to a new substrate. Research proper fragging techniques to minimize stress to the coral.
Summary
Miami Vice Zoanthids are a visually striking and relatively easy-to-care-for addition to any reef aquarium. With proper care, including stable water parameters, appropriate lighting, and moderate flow, these corals will thrive and add a vibrant splash of color to your underwater world. Always exercise caution when handling them due to the presence of palytoxin.
“`
Leave a Reply