Colorful zoanthid coral polyps in a row on a dark background
Avalanche People Eater Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) polyp on black, top-down view

Species profile

Avalanche People Eater

Zoanthus sp.

Also sold as: Avalanche People Eater zoa, Avalanche People Eater zoanthid

Avalanche People Eater is a large-polyp Zoanthus in lavender and violet, dusted with pale lilac flecks and lit by a mint-green mouth.

Colors

Lavender to violet oral disc scattered with pale lilac dots and short streaks; a darker purple zone around a bright mint-green slit mouth; and rounded lavender tentacles with dark plum bases

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Light

Medium

75-150 PAR

Flow

Moderate

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Lower to middle rockwork, ideally on its own rock or plug where the larger polyps have room to open fully

Temperature

75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)

Salinity

1.024-1.026 specific gravity (about 32-35 ppt)

Feeding

Mostly light-fed, with optional fine foods once or twice a week.

Photosynthetic; optional fine particulate food once or twice a week

Care notes

Avalanche People Eater is a trade name for a color form of Zoanthus. People Eater zoas are placed by published identification guidance in the large-polyp Zoanthus group, with oral discs of about 3/8–1 inch (10–25 mm) across. They are often called palys, but that is a misnomer, since they are not Palythoa. This one is purple throughout, with pale flecks scattered over the face like snow and a mint-green mouth at the center. Give it steady conditions, moderate indirect flow, and space to open. This description is based on a single trade photo, and colonies sold under this name can vary, so buy from photos of the actual colony.

⚠ Palytoxin safety

Like any zoanthid, Avalanche People Eater may contain palytoxin, so treat it as toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging, and wash up afterward.

Read the full Palytoxin Safety guide →