The photos are of the WYSIWYG live Zoanthid coral on a standard 3/4" frag plug.
Little Shop of Horrors Zoanthids (often abbreviated as LSOH Zoas) are one of the most sought-after collector zoas in the reef hobby. Each polyp packs a remarkable amount of color into a single face, with red, purple, neon green, orange, and yellow all showing on the same bright green polyp. Under actinic and blue LED lighting the colors fluoresce intensely, making this a true showpiece even as a single polyp.
The name comes from Little Shop of Horrors, the cult classic horror comedy about a flower shop worker who raises Audrey II, a strange and colorful carnivorous plant with a growing appetite. The story started as a 1960 film, became a hit off-Broadway musical, and was adapted again as the 1986 movie musical. Like its namesake, this zoa is exotic, a little wild looking, and impossible to ignore. Unlike Audrey II, it is happy with light and the occasional feeding of coral food.
This frag comes from the Golden Basket Reef lineage and is fully aquacultured in our system, so it is already adapted to captive reef tank conditions and LED lighting.
Like most Zoanthus corals, Little Shop of Horrors do best in low to moderate lighting with a moderate, indirect flow that keeps detritus off the polyps without forcing them closed. Because this is a high-end morph, we recommend placing the frag where you can easily keep an eye on it, away from aggressive neighbors, and letting it settle in before moving it.
With stable water parameters and patient care, this frag can grow into a colony that becomes the centerpiece of your zoa garden.
Lighting: Best maintained under low to moderate light conditions with a strong blue spectrum.Currently kept under Kessil A360X units. Mounting height 24" above water line. 12:00PM - 10:00PM at 100% blue intensity.
Water Flow: Prefers moderate, gentle flow to keep the polyps clean and free of detritus.
Feeding: While they can survive on light alone, targeted feeding of small coral pellets or powder will promote faster growth and health.
Placement: Provide adequate space from other corals for them to grow, and also that as they tend to get stung easily.
Note: Zoanthus coral but should always be handled with care. We advise wearing gloves and eye protection when working with any Zoanthid or Palythoa species.