Screwdriver Zoa: The Neon Orange and Yellow Cocktail

The Screwdriver Zoa (Zoanthus species) is a vibrant and popular collector strain of Zoanthid (Colonial Anemone/Polyp). Zoanthids are highly regarded for their hardiness, rapid colonization, and their ability to bring intense, saturated colors to the reef tank.

This specific strain is named "Screwdriver" after the classic orange and yellow cocktail. It is characterized by an intense, bright orange or reddish-orange skirt (tentacles) that provides a fiery border. The center oral disk and mouth are typically a sharply contrasting neon yellow or brilliant gold. This high-fluorescence combination of orange and yellow makes the polyps glow vividly under actinic (blue) lighting.

The Screwdriver Zoa grows in a colonial, matting morphology, spreading over rockwork and forming dense clusters. It is considered an Easy care coral. Its robustness and rapid growth rate make it an excellent and forgiving choice for both beginner and seasoned reef hobbyists.

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: PALYTOXIN ⚠️

Zoanthids, especially certain species, may contain Palytoxin, which can be extremely hazardous if it enters the bloodstream, is ingested, or becomes aerosolized (e.g., by handling damaged polyps, scrubbing rocks, or boiling). Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, when handling Zoanthids. Never use boiling water or tools that may atomize the coral material. Consult a physician immediately if exposed.

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also a highly efficient Filter Feeder/Carnivore.
Feeding: Zoanthids feed readily and greatly benefit from targeted feeding, which encourages larger polyp size and faster colony growth. Target feed 2-3 times per week with shrimp eggs, rotifers, brine shrimp, or fine coral food powders.
Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Zoanthids do not actively sting neighbors, but they will aggressively compete for space by growing over other corals. Provide space to prevent overgrowth.
Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Competitive toward other corals. It should be positioned on low to mid-rockwork where it receives Moderate PAR lighting (75-150 PAR), which helps maximize the fluorescent colors, and moderate, non-turbulent water flow to keep the colony clean and deliver food.
Water Requirements:** Requires stable parameters. Zoanthids are tolerant of slightly higher nutrient levels than SPS. Target ranges: Alkalinity (dKH 7.5-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1250-1400 ppm).

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Zoanthus sp. (Specific Strain)
Primary Common Name: Screwdriver Zoa
Other Common Names: Orange Skirt Yellow Mouth Zoa, Citrus Zoa
Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
Max Size: Polyps typically 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter, forms large mats
Temperament: Peaceful (Competitive via overgrowth; potentially toxic)
Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons (Established reef)
Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, durable beginner coral)
Care Level: Easy

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