WWC Blue Pinwheel Zoanthid

Common Name: Blue Pinwheel Zoanthid
Species Name: Zoanthus sp.
Coral Type: Soft Coral (Zoanthid)

Care Level: Easy

Physical Description:
Blue Pinwheel Zoanthids are eye-catching polyps known for their crisp, radial pattern resembling a spinning pinwheel. Each polyp typically features a deep blue to violet base with lighter blue or white streaks radiating from the center, often surrounding a contrasting mouth in shades of green or yellow. The smooth oral disc and short, uniform skirts give them a clean, defined look. Under actinic lighting, their blues intensify dramatically, creating a glowing, high-contrast display as colonies spread into dense, colorful mats.

Lighting:
Low to Moderate (approximately 50–120 PAR); coloration and growth can improve under moderate light with proper acclimation

Flow Rate:
Low to Moderate, indirect flow to encourage full polyp extension and prevent detritus buildup

Food Requirements:
Primarily photosynthetic but may benefit from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods such as phytoplankton and micro-plankton blends

Aggression:
Low; peaceful and ideal for mixed reef aquariums, though can spread and overgrow nearby corals if not managed

Placement:
Versatile; can be placed on rockwork at various levels of the aquarium depending on lighting, with room to spread and form colonies

Aquaculture & Health Standards:
Aquacultured Blue Pinwheel Zoanthids are hardy and fast-growing under stable conditions. Maintain consistent water parameters and moderate nutrient levels to support healthy growth. As with all zoanthids, handle with care due to potential palytoxin exposure, and consider isolating colonies to control spreading.