Polyp polynomial: How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

[Falreef]

4-5 minimum and stop with the ridiculous prices

 

[jkcoral]

I like to have a minimum of 3 or so. The more the better. I’ll only buy somewhat “established” frags, no fresh chops, that have some healthy and visible matting/webbing between the polyps.

 

[nkyreef]

4-5 polyps. There's too big a chance that one or two will melt away. If someone is selling per polyp I move right along. Doesn't make sense to count how many are on the plug. What is the frag cost? That determines whether I buy it our not.

 

[jkcoral]

4-5 minimum and stop with the ridiculous prices

Speaking of insane prices, would you be interested in some scrambled eggs for $125? If so, my LFS has you covered haha

 

[LordofCinder]

I always get one. 1 quickly turns into 2, which turns into 4, which turns into 8, which turns into 16...

 

[danny_M]

One polyp is a rip off unless is goes below 1 dollar/euro .. 2-4 is acceptable if they are fast growing.
For the more "exotic ones" i would only buy 4-8 polyps, and then only if the price is right. Far to often the prices are ridiculously high or the type offered based on only colour of their slow growth rate.

 

[anabechara]

Polyp polynomial: How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

Have you noticed zoanthids (often called zoas) being sold one head (sometimes called polyps) at a time or sometimes with heads that are far less than full size? How do you feel about this? Some may appreciate the chance to get a chance to get an unusual zoa especially if the price per polyp is high. Other people may look for the rock that hosts an entire zoa colony, while still others look for zoas for sale that have between three and five polyps. Please tell us what you expect when you are shopping for zoas. How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

Pro Tip: Not all zoas grow at the same pace and some varieties can even outcompete other types for space. If you are buying fewer heads then consider selecting faster growing and faster replicating zoa varieties.

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Photo by @riptide Aquaculture

If you have zoa related questions, feel free to check out the R2R zoa discussion section where you can read, learn, and ask additional questions!


This QOTD is sponsored by Nutramar: https://www.qualitymarine.com/nutramar/

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“Nutramar’s 100% natural food products are used by public aquaria and breeders around the world. They offer superior nutrition to your most finicky and delicate fish and invertebrates.

Where can I find the info on which zoas grow faster?

 

[Derrick0580]

I’ve never had luck with single polyps

 

[BillFish Coral Lover]

As many as the greedy bloody growers will allow on the smallest plus they can find!

 

[Homey D. Clownfish]

Got this one for cheap from a fellow collector who was breaking down their tank. There’s some turquoise mushrooms on the rock, too