Rasta Zoa

Rasta Zoas are a fast-growing classic that belongs in just about any zoa collection. Their vibrant green, purple, and orange coloration creates an unmistakable look that’s easy to recognize. Regular feeding can help support healthy growth and fuller colonies.

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Identification

Main Color Green

Secondary Color Blue

Ring Color Orange

Skirt Color Green

Mouth Color Purple

Pattern / Markings Ringed

Polyp Size Small

Colors and appearance can vary under different aquarium lighting, flow and growing conditions. Use multiple characteristics when identifying a zoanthid.

Identification Guide

What Does a Rasta Zoa Look Like?

Rasta Zoas can be identified by comparing several characteristics of the polyp rather than relying on a single color. The dominant or main coloration is green. Secondary coloration includes blue. The polyp also displays a orange ring. Around the outside of the polyp, the skirt is typically green. The mouth is purple.

Rasta Zoas may also be recognized by their ringed pattern or markings. They are classified in the Coral Stop Zoa Guide as having a small polyp size.

Aquarium lighting can significantly change how zoanthid colors appear, so compare the main color, skirt, mouth, rings and markings together when identifying Rasta Zoas.

Zoanthid Care

How to Grow Rasta Zoas

Rasta Zoas should be kept in a stable reef aquarium with appropriate lighting and water movement. Zoanthids are generally adaptable corals, but sudden changes in lighting, flow or water chemistry can cause polyps to remain closed or slow their growth.

Start Rasta Zoas in an area with moderate conditions and observe their polyp extension and coloration. If moving them into stronger lighting, acclimate them gradually rather than making a sudden change. Provide enough water movement to keep debris from settling on the colony without directing an excessively strong stream directly at the polyps.

Lighting Low to moderate; acclimate gradually to stronger light

Water Flow Low to moderate, with enough movement to prevent debris buildup

Placement Rockwork or frag plugs with room for the colony to spread

Feeding & Nutrition

What Should You Feed Rasta Zoas?

Zoanthids receive much of their energy from light through their symbiotic algae, but supplemental feeding can provide additional nutrition. Small-particle coral foods and feeding-response supplements can be used as part of a balanced reef-feeding routine.

When feeding Rasta Zoas, use small amounts and avoid allowing excess food to accumulate around the colony. Below are several zoanthid and coral-feeding products available from Coral Stop.