Gold Maul Zoas
To care for zoanthids, maintain stable water parameters (temperature: 75–80°F or 24–27°C; salinity: 1.023–1.025; pH: 8.1–8.4) and provide moderate lighting and flow.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling them, as they can release a dangerous toxin called palytoxin.
Nutrients
Aim for a slight nutrient level (Nitrate: 2-15 ppm, Phosphate: 0.03-0.1 ppm) for growth, but avoid ultra-low levels.
Lighting
Modere to high intensity with a spectrum leaning towards blues is often ideal for fluorescence. Acclimate them slowly to new lighting conditions to prevent bleaching.
Flow
Provide moderate, indirect flow that causes gentle swaying without flattening the polyps. Aim for a 10-20x tank turnover per hour.
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–80°F (24–27°C) |
| Salinity | 1.023–1.025 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Nitrate | 2–15 ppm |
| Phosphate | 0.03–0.1 ppm |
| Flow | 10–20x tank turnover per hour |
FAQ
What lighting conditions are best for Gold Maul Zoas?
Moderate to high intensity lighting with a blue-leaning spectrum is ideal for promoting fluorescence. Always acclimate them slowly to new lighting to prevent bleaching.
What flow rate should I provide for Gold Maul Zoas?
Provide moderate, indirect flow that causes gentle swaying without flattening the polyps. Aim for a 10–20x tank turnover per hour.
Are there any safety precautions when handling Gold Maul Zoas?
Yes, always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling them, as they can release a dangerous toxin called palytoxin.

Alison Lawrence –
The Gold Maul Zoas have been thriving in my tank for three months. I maintain stable parameters and use moderate blue lighting. They show vibrant coloration and respond well to gentle flow. I always wear gloves when handling them, which is a good safety practice.
Alan Sharp –
I found the coloration very striking after adjusting my lighting to a blue spectrum. The flow is just right—polyps sway gently without being flattened. I’ve kept them in a 55-gallon tank with stable water conditions.
Isaac Bond –
After following the recommended parameters, the zoas have grown steadily. I keep nitrate between 5-10 ppm and avoid over-filtering. The only thing I’ve noticed is that they need to be acclimated slowly to new lights.