What do Zoanthids "eat"

[fritz]

I've read that their symbiotic zooxanthellae provide all the food they need, I've read that they will also consume phytoplankton, I've read that they can consume zooplankton (doubt it) and I've read that they will gain whatever remaining nutrients they need from the water.

What are these "nutrients" that people refer to? When we speak of nutrients in our water we are speaking of nitrates etc. Isn't it true that Zoanthids grow in waters with corallimorphs which can contain very high levels of nutrients (comparatively)? So are these articles implying that Zoanthids will process nutrients in a similar manner as the macro algae that we use?

On a side note since I've started feeding spray dried phytoplankton I've notices several of my corals take off. My zoos aren't among those exhibiting a noticeable change.

 

[aaron23]

zoos dont eat phyto they eat zooplankton

 

[masterswimmer]

I've got a number of different zoo's in my tanks. All are in the same conditions. Some just grow faster than others.

I feed my corals both cyclopeeze and DT's Oyster Eggs. Both would be great for zoo's.

swimmer

 

[Deanos]

This is one of the best articles I've read about Zoanthids.

Excerpt: "There have been many articles documenting the relative amount of energy that is obtained through photosynthesis in zoanthids. While somewhat variable, in no case does light alone supply anywhere near the total energy budget of any zoanthid. Furthermore, much of the carbon products produced by photosynthesis are used in the production of mucus, making external sources of carbon containing compounds, in addition to non-photosynthate material imperative to the health and survival of zoanthids. Zoanthids feed on particulate matter, organic macromolecules, bacteria, plankton, and even larger prey. To what degree each food item can theoretically comprise the natural dietary intake of zoanthids is anyone's guess, but it would appear that most tank conditions are able to supply the required external nutrition to a tolerable level based on the success of colonies in the aquarium."

 

[fritz]

That was a good article, thanks.

Funny side note, I have a pile of LR rubble at the bottom of one of my 5 gallon buckets in my closet. I have another 5 gallon bucket on top of that one so it's pretty humid inside where the rubble is. Anyhow while looking for a nice rubble piece to mount a Digitata on I came accross a rock with two types of zoos growing on it. I must have accidently tossed this zoo frag into the bucket when I re-scaped my tank thinking it was plain rubble. I tossed it back in the tank and the zoos opened right up, AFTER BEING OUT OF WATER FOR A WEEK!!!

I thought that was amazing. I love zoas.

 

[Josh]

One of them tried to eat Aaron's eye.

 

[Reef2Go]

I heard they eat little children in the middle of the night

 

[fritz]

hahahahahahhaha

 

[zenfish]

Once again, the hobby explains a question with a nice broad, general answer. They'll eat anything they can get.

However, this I don't get...
Furthermore, much of the carbon products produced by photosynthesis are used in the production of mucus, making external sources of carbon containing compounds, in addition to non-photosynthate material imperative to the health and survival of zoanthids.

If they are producing their own carbon "products" to create mucus and whatnot, why do they need more?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Mine every once in a while catch a mysis or a brine from feeding time and they seem to also grab pellet food sometimes too.

 

[Deanos]

If they are producing their own carbon "products" to create mucus and whatnot, why do they need more?

You're reading it wrong. The quote states external sources of carbon containing compounds are imperative to the health of zoanthids.