Why a lack of response on some zoas?

[Jovreefer]

I've always wondered why some zoas have a lack of response to being disturbed while others close up if something gets too close. Does anyone else notice this?

I purchased a frag of spiderman this weekend and it stayed open in the bag all the way home, I popped it off the ugly frag disk and glued it where I wanted it. The whole time the polyps stayed open. I have a mini colony of pink palys that does the same thing. While the other zoa's on the rock all closed up the moment I touched the rock to pull it out.

Any idea's or theories to why some do this and others dont?

 

[ritter6788]

My guess is coral health. The healthier it is the more likely it is to be open and happy.

 

[Jovreefer]

I considered health as well, but would'nt one think that zoa's in the same position on the same rock, all in the tank for a month, all have the same health?

 

[Jovreefer]

In the same breath, the pinks are the only ones that have started growing so maybe health is the reason.

 

[Loki]

I have noticed this as well. I at one point thought that zoas from a dirtier tank would be less "skiddish" and stay open. I have a colony of zoas (that started from one) I have had for 6+ months that close up very quickly to any disturbance and others I got the same time with a couple polyps that are more apt to stay open during moving around.

So I'm not sure there is any rhyme or reason to it.

If anyone has theories I would be interested to hear as well.

 

[KoleTang]

Seems just as random as bubble tip anemones bubbling or not.