Illuminati
Zoanthus sp.
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.
