Common or Exclusive Zoanthus - Which One Is Right For You?
When browsing our Zoanthus collection, you'll see two main categories: Common Zoanthus and Exclusive Zoanthus. But what exactly is the difference? And more importantly, which one should you choose? This guide explains everything so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Common Zoanthus?
Common Zoanthus are the "workhorses" of the reef aquarium world. These corals are widespread, easy to breed, and therefore affordable. But don't let the name fool you—"common" doesn't mean boring!
Characteristics of Common Zoanthus:
- Price: Affordable, often €15-€40 per frag
- Availability: In stock and easy to obtain
- Growth rate: Fast - often 2-4 new polyps per month
- Hardy factor: Very resistant to beginner's mistakes
- Colors: Beautiful but often simpler (greens, basic orange/pink)
- Care: Minimal requirements, very tolerant
- Propagation: Easy to fragment and divide
Popular Common Zoanthus Species:
- Green Zoanthus Zoanthus
- Scrambled Eggs Zoanthus
- Candy Apple Pink Zoanthus
- Fire and Ice Zoanthus
- Rainbow Hornets Zoanthus
- Tutti Frutti Zoanthus
- Pink Sakura Zoanthus
View our complete Common Zoanthus collection
What Are Exclusive Zoanthus?
Exclusive Zoanthus are the jewels of your aquarium. These corals have rarer color combinations, unique patterns, and are more difficult to breed. They are the eye-catchers that elevate your aquarium.
Features of Exclusive Zoanthus:
- Price: Higher, often €50-€150+ per colony
- Availability: Limited, often WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)
- Growth rate: Slower - often 1-2 new polyps per month
- Hardy factor: Variable - some are easy, others more demanding
- Colors: Spectacular - unique combinations and intense patterns
- Care: Sometimes more specific light or nutritional requirements
- Propagation: Slower, making them rare
Exclusive Zoanthus in Our Collection:
- Psychosis Zoanthus
- Grim Reaper Zoanthus
- Blackberry Voodoo Zoanthus
- AIO Zoanthus
View our complete Exclusive Zoanthus collection
Direct Comparison: Common vs Exclusive
| Aspect | Common Zoanthus | Exclusive Zoanthus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €15-€40 | €50-€150+ |
| Difficulty level | Comfortable | Easy to Average |
| Growth rate | Fast (2-4 polyps/month) | Slow (1-2 polyps/month) |
| To colour | Beautiful, simpler | Spectacular, unique |
| Availability | Always in stock | Limited, often WYSIWYG |
| Ideal for | Beginners, budget conscious | Advanced, statement pieces |
| ROI (growth) | High - fast many polyps | Low - slow growth |
| Risk | Low | Average |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Common Zoanthus If You:
- ✅ Are you a beginner in the reef aquarium hobby?
- ✅ Want to start budget-consciously
- ✅ Want to see quick results (growth)
- ✅ Want to fill your aquarium without spending a lot of money
- ✅ Want to practice before buying more expensive corals
- ✅ You have a new aquarium that still needs to stabilize
- ✅ Easy care is a priority
Recommended start: Start with our Beginner's Zoanthus Pack or choose 3-5 different Common species from our Common collection .
Choose Exclusive Zoanthus If You:
- ✅ Have experience with Zoanthus care
- ✅ Want unique colors that stand out
- ✅ Looking for a statement piece for your aquarium?
- ✅ Maintain stable water values
- ✅ Are willing to invest more for quality
- ✅ Be patient with slower growth
- ✅ Want to upgrade your collection to the next level
- ✅ Loves unique, intense colors (psychedelic, dark, mystical)
Recommended start: Choose 1-2 Exclusive varieties as eye-catchers and combine with Common Zoanthus for volume. View our Exclusive collection .
The Best Strategy: Mix & Match
Most experienced hobbyists don't choose between Common or Exclusive—they combine both! Here's why:
Benefits of Combining:
- Volume + Impact: Common Zoanthus fill your aquarium, Exclusive provide wow factor
- Risk diversification: If an Exclusive doesn't work out, you still have your Common collection
- Color Balance: Mix simple and complex colors for visual depth
- Budget friendly: Invest wisely – lots of volume for little, accents for more
- Learning Process: Practice with Common while providing Exclusive
Ideal Mix for Beginners:
70% Common + 30% Exclusive
For example in a 100L aquarium:
- 5-7 Common Zoanthus colonies (volume and color)
- 2-3 Exclusive Zoanthus colonies (eye-catchers)
This will give you a full, colorful aquarium without breaking your budget, and you will learn to work with different species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Exclusive Zoanthus more difficult to keep?
Not always! The price often comes from rarity and unique colors, not necessarily difficulty. Always read the care instructions for each species.
Do Common Zoanthus Really Grow Faster?
Yes, generally speaking. Common varieties are often selected for their fast growth, which makes them easy to cultivate. Exclusive varieties grow more slowly, which keeps them rare.
Can I keep Common and Exclusive Zoanthus together?
Absolutely! They can live together just fine. Just make sure there's enough space (5-10 cm) between colonies so they don't crowd each other.
Do I need to buy Common before trying Exclusive?
Not required, but recommended. Common Zoanthus are more forgiving of beginner mistakes. Once you've had success with Common, you'll have more confidence and experience with Exclusive varieties.
What does WYSIWYG mean for Exclusive and Common Zoanthus?
WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get." This means you'll receive exactly the specimen pictured. Each WYSIWYG coral is unique!
Care differences
Common Zoanthus Care:
- Lighting: 100-150 PAR (average)
- Current: Low to medium
- Feeding: Optional, grow well without
- Water values: Very tolerant to fluctuations
Exclusive Zoanthus Care:
- Lighting: 100-150 PAR (average) - varies by species
- Current: Average, some species have specific requirements
- Nutrition: Recommended for optimal color
- Water values: Stable parameters required
Read our complete care guide for detailed instructions.
Price-Quality Ratio
Common Zoanthus:
Best value for: Volume, fast growth, learning curve. You can double or triple your colony within 6 months.
Exclusive Zoanthus:
Best value for: Unique colors, statement pieces, collectors. Low on growth, high on visual impact and rarity.
Conclusion - Your Perfect Choice
There is no "wrong" choice between Common and Exclusive Zoanthus - it depends on your goals, experience, and budget.
Our recommendation:
- Absolute beginners: Start with 100% Common Zoanthus with our Beginner's Pack
- Beginners with a budget: 70% Common + 30% Exclusive (e.g. Psychosis as an eye-catcher)
- Advanced hobbyists: 50/50 mix or focus on Exclusive collection
Remember: Both categories are beautiful and valuable. Common Zoanthus will give you a full, colorful aquarium without the hassle. Exclusive Zoanthus add that extra "wow" that makes guests stop and stare.
Ready to choose?
- View our Common Zoanthus collection
- View our Exclusive Zoanthus collection
- Or view all Zoanthus species and be inspired!
Still have questions about which Zoanthus is right for you? Check out our Top 10 Easiest Zoanthus for more inspiration!