Zoas reproducing but shrinking?

[Brian1f1]

I got some new zoas from Cherry Corals back in December. Since then I’ve seen good growth from most, like magicians and devils armor, but the picachus (spelling? lol) have gone from 3 to about 11 but are filling the exact same space as the originals were? Very odd. Check out the pics, see what you think!

 

[Naekuh]

I remember watching a zoa specialist say something like light intensity can determine the size of the Zoa... so higher light, they tend to be more compact, while lower par, they tend to blow up in size.

Maybe someone more knowledgable in zoa's can fill in, but i looking at your pictures, you seem to have a pretty high par, and in white light on top, so maybe thats why your zoa's are shrinking?

The Ultimate Zoanthid Coral Care Guide

Learn how to care properly care for, grow and get the best results from zoanthids and palythoas in your home reef aquarium.

fragbox.ca

Placement and lighting strength can sometimes dictate the size and color of zoanthids. Under high light they tend to get brighter and shorter, growing closer to their base. Under lower lighting conditions it tens to cause them to swell and stretch towards the light, growing larger head and longer stalks. You don’t want them stretching more than about 1/2” though because this can cause them undue stress and it is signaling they are not getting enough light.

 

[Brian1f1]

I remember watching a zoa specialist say something like light intensity can determine the size of the Zoa... so higher light, they tend to be more compact, while lower par, they tend to blow up in size.

Maybe someone more knowledgable in zoa's can fill in, but i looking at your pictures, you seem to have a pretty high par, and in white light on top, so maybe thats why your zoa's are shrinking?

The Ultimate Zoanthid Coral Care Guide

Learn how to care properly care for, grow and get the best results from zoanthids and palythoas in your home reef aquarium.

fragbox.ca

Thanks! Will check it out. I did crank the lights for the photo but still could be the cause. The others are in same par as these but could be the morph needing lower light.

 

[littlebigreef]

Pikachu are a smaller tighter growing polyp. It looks like they open and happy generally. I wouldn't worry too much about this.

 

[slav621]

Pikachu are a smaller tighter growing polyp. It looks like they open and happy generally. I wouldn't worry too much about this.

I am with this guy. As long as they are producing more heads- I would say you are in good shape.

 

[Brian1f1]

I am with this guy. As long as they are producing more heads- I would say you are in good shape.

Pikachu are a smaller tighter growing polyp. It looks like they open and happy generally. I wouldn't worry too much about this.

With you both, just weird to me that they fill up the same amount of space as they did when they were 3 but will leave them alone!