People Eater light burn?

BobcatTracker1

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We picked up a zoa from our LFS and later determined that it might be a People Eater (Zoanthus gigantus), maybe a Red People Eater. Any input on ID would be great.

It has some white spots/streaks on the discs and whitened skirt on most, but not all. When we bought it, some of the white was present, but we can’t recall how much…so we’re uncertain what is newer vs. older.

Initially we thought it was typical of this zoa variety (especially when we saw this variety at a different LFS with some white splotches and skirts). But after learning about People Eaters, we’re now wondering if it could be light burn or something else. Any thoughts?

At first, we had it placed higher in the tank and realized that may have been too high. It seems to be a little happier in its current location (see photo). But should we try even lower or in the shade under our rock arch? Is its color likely to return? We’ve had it for a little over 2.5 weeks.

We have the Fluval Evo 13.5 and are using the stock lighting. The light dimmer is set to max out at 80% output each day.

20251127_114806_B4E9AD9F-2FE3-4C3E-A66C-474CE25356FA.png
 

Mr. Mojo Rising

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That light is not strong enough to light burn any coral, its not a strong light. The coral looks fine to me and likely still acclimating to your tank, I would just monitor it, every time you move it, it needs to re-acclimate to the new position.
 

mfinn

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Definitely not a Red People Eater, but it does have the common neon green mouth ( slit) that people eaters are known for..
Maybe one of the Hawaiian people eaters.
 

ShanePike

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Many strains of zoas are known to morph quite a bit based on the specific conditions of a particular tank. Seductions have been a notable one for me. I got some with an incredible light blue color, but it only lasted about a month.
 

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