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 Causes of Zoa morphing

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kireek

kireek


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Location : corvallis

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PostSubject: Causes of Zoa morphing   Causes of Zoa morphing EmptySat Dec 20, 2014 10:32 pm

How would you know if you have a morphed coral? I am thinking I would have to frag the colony,move the pieces into different systems and then wait to see how the new polyps grow.
Are there ways to encourage morphing in zoas and palys?Below I have two pictures of Mind Blowing palys.They are both located in the same aquarium.
Causes of Zoa morphing <a href=Causes of Zoa morphing Dscf7014" />
What I believe to be a morph
Causes of Zoa morphing <a href=Causes of Zoa morphing Dscf9910" />
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badxgillen

badxgillen


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PostSubject: Re: Causes of Zoa morphing   Causes of Zoa morphing EmptyMon Dec 22, 2014 7:46 pm

The thing is there is sometimes a little confusion in the word morph for zoanthids. Environmental conditions will get zoanthids to "morph" but generally will not produce an actually different permanent change or "morph". On the other hand over time there can be subtle change\mutation in the cloning process or simple sexual reproduction variation. Another instance of change can be from loss of zoozanthellae but this usually can return over time or just makes for a less attractive polyp. Several corals have the ability to re capture alternative zoozanthellae so I might believe this explanation for zoanthids and palythoas under certain circumstances but have yet to see any documented evidence supporting it for this genus.

Generally speaking less light brings out the polyp itself giving it a stretch look or vice versa for higher light, they can form a low mat over the substrate.

Less flow can also have effect not only on the base length but also the skirts, punk rockers, armor of the gods, and armagedons , for exampe, get a much more frilly skirt with moderate to low flow.

Nutrient loads can cause coloration changes in some zoanthids too. Many will suffer a lack of vibrance when the nitrate or phosphate levels are too low or zero. If you have a variety that eats well you can supplement them this way as much can be derived from the proper foods.

Last but certainly not least is lighting. We all know corals look different in our tanks Vs the next guys tank, or the vendor we purchase from for that matter. So first off is the initial spectrum being a culprit of appearance. Then there is the increased or decreased spectrum and or light intensity. This causes various zoozanthellae to fade away or to become dominant over another. Translation is a change or "morph" in colors. Most often this is lost once the zoanthid is returned to a previous lighting regime as the varying types of symbiotic algae still reside within the tissue and just need the proper conditions to return.
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kireek

kireek


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PostSubject: Thank you Badxgillen,your response is most helpful!   Causes of Zoa morphing EmptyTue Dec 23, 2014 12:52 am

Sounds like I will have to give these more time to see if it's a permanent change.Just to clarify both frags were grown up from the same mother colony and are growing in the same system.The curly one was bleached under LED'S for a extensive amount of time.I moved them down to the bottom of the tank months ago,expecting them to recover.
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kireek

kireek


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PostSubject: Re: Causes of Zoa morphing   Causes of Zoa morphing EmptyTue Nov 17, 2015 3:39 pm

A updated shot of what I believe to be a true morph at this time.I took this last month.


[img]Causes of Zoa morphing Dscf4810[/img]

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