Colony Polyp, Dusty Diamonds

The addition of the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp, despite its subdued moniker, is sure to brighten the day of both serious Zoa collectors and budding reef aquarium enthusiasts. This attractive Zoanthid sports a highly desirable color combination of pink and purple to add beauty to any aquarium.

The Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp is a gorgeous color variety of Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals (also known as Sea Mats, or Button Polyps). While most Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals are commonly green in coloration, there are prized varieties demonstrating uncommon beauty with bright, showy coloration. As colonial animals, the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp is made up of multiple individual polyps attached to a piece of live rock.

The Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp has the ability to sting other polyps or corals. While the sting is not strong, be sure to provide sufficient space between the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp and other corals because of its semi-aggressive temperament and potential to crowd out neighbors.

Similar to other Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals, the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp is easy to maintain, making it a good choice for beginner reef aquarists. The Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp requires moderate to high light levels combined with medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements.

Under ideal conditions, the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp will multiple without difficulty in home reef aquariums by budding (splitting off a portion of their base or mouth) to increase the size of the colony. The Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp contains the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which satisfies almost all of its nutritional requirements. If the lighting is not optimal, the Dusty Diamonds Colony Polyp should be fed micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp.

It is common to receive a rock that is not completely covered in polyps. However, under the right conditions, they will quickly spread across this and surrounding rocks in the aquarium.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/4"