Zoa Size Question

[RevHtree]

Why is it that some zoanthids are so tiny? Is it a tank issue, or are there certain types that are just tiny? I have seen some of the same zoas in different tanks and they be double the size in one than in the other. What gives?

 

[twon8]

I feel there are certainly differences in size amongst species, but flow, lighting and other conditions can affect polyp size. I have some zoas the size of nickels or larger, while others stay the size of a pencil eraser.

 

[RevHtree]

Thanks for your comment.

Anybody else?

 

[CoralNutz]

Well if we are talking about the same zoas being different polyp sizes. IME the lighing and flow really seem to make a difference in polyp size. The highter the lighting seems to be smaller polyps. The lower lighting seems that they polyps get a little bigger and stems stretch a bit more... Also seems like higher flow produces a little bigger polyp size. I haven't really thought to much about this but that's just what I've noticed.

 

[cowcio]

If lower lighting makes the polyp larger and taller, is it possible that there is some strain going on? I am not an experienced zoa keeper, only a couple months, but I would imagine it would be best to find a happy medium for each zoa colony in your tank.