Orange Mandarim Zoanthus (Zoanthus spp. – Exotic Citrus Burst)
Quick Stats
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Colour Form: Bright Mandarin Orange Center with Subtle Red Undertones and a Soft Greenish Skirt
Water Conditions: 24-28°C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Family: Zoanthidae
Lighting: Moderate to High
Supplements: Amino Acids, Trace Elements, Iodine
Water Flow: Moderate
Placement: Bottom to Mid-Level
Overview
The Orange Mandarim Zoanthus is a true jewel for reef aquariums, offering a splash of intense citrus color. Its vivid mandarin-orange center is often kissed with hints of red or coral tones, making each polyp look like a tiny tropical fruit bursting with energy. The soft greenish skirt adds a gentle contrast that helps the center glow even more — especially under actinic lighting, where it reveals an almost neon brilliance.
This zoanthid is perfect for reefers seeking that vibrant yet elegant pop of color in their scape.
Care & Feeding
Like other members of the Zoanthidae family, the Orange Mandarim is resilient and easy to care for. It flourishes in moderate to high lighting and enjoys a medium flow to keep debris off its polyps and to encourage full extension.
Though it relies mainly on photosynthesis, it responds well to occasional supplemental feeding with reef roids, marine snow, or powdered zooplankton — boosting growth and color intensity.
Optimal Parameters
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Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12
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Calcium (Ca): 400-450 ppm
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Magnesium (Mg): 1250-1350 ppm
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Nitrate (NO3): 1-10 ppm
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Phosphate (PO4): 0.01-0.05 ppm
Placement
Best placed in the bottom to mid-zone of your reef tank, where it receives stable light and current. Though peaceful in nature, this zoanthid can grow quickly and carpet rock surfaces over time — so regular monitoring is advised to keep it balanced within the layout.
🍊 A Splash of the Tropics – The Orange Mandarim Zoanthus adds a fresh, fruity punch of color to your reef, evoking the warm tones of exotic islands. Irresistibly bright, yet classy and compact — a must-have for coral collectors!