Stargazer Zoas

Stargazer Zoas are a striking morph known for their bright yellow-green centers, deep blue or purple outer ring, and contrasting skirt. They’re hardy, adaptable, and popular for both collectors and farm systems because they hold color well across a range of conditions.

Lighting

Moderate light, around 80 to 150 PAR. This keeps the center vibrant and maintains the blue or purple ring. Excessive light can wash the center or cause the skirt to shrink. Low light leads to stretching and muted colors.

Flow

Moderate, indirect flow. You want steady movement that keeps detritus away from the mat and encourages full opening. Too much flow makes the skirts curl inward. Too little flow encourages film buildup on the polyp bases.

Placement

Mid to lower rockwork works well. Stargazers spread in tidy mats, so place them on a rock or plug where you want gradual colony formation. Avoid positioning next to aggressive LPS; zoas don’t defend themselves well.

Water parameters

They thrive in nutrient-positive reef systems.

Calcium 400 to 420.
Alkalinity 8 to 8.6.
Magnesium 1300 to 1350.
Nitrate 5 to 20.
Phosphate 0.05 to 0.1.

Stable nutrients help maintain the bright central color. Ultra-clean systems tend to mute the ring.

Feeding

Not required, but occasional amino acids or fine coral foods can speed up head production. Stargazers capture small particulates easily when polyps are fully extended.

Growth behavior

Moderate to fast. They typically form tight clusters and spread evenly across surfaces. Once the mat is established, growth accelerates, making them easy to propagate.

Sensitivities

Susceptible to typical zoa pests: nudibranchs, sundial snails, hydroids, and vermetid irritation. Rapid salinity or temp swings can cause temporary closure. They’re more resilient than many premium zoas but still benefit from stable chemistry.

Compatibility

Completely peaceful. Great in zoa gardens, mixed reefs, and nano displays. They hold their color well even alongside brighter morphs, making them excellent for contrast and pattern variety.