Eye of Rah

Eye of Rah, also traded as Eye of Ra, is a Zoanthus strain with a gold-brown face and a dark centre that forms the 'eye' of each polyp. The earthy gold-brown tones are unusual among zoanthids dominated by pinks and greens, and the dark centre gives colonies a watchful, spotted pattern. It is a Tier 3 collector strain, sought by keepers building varied zoanthid gardens who want a warmer, metallic tone.

Care

It needs medium lighting and medium flow in the bottom to middle of the tank. Keep flow through the mat, nutrients measurable — zoanthids sulk in ultra-clean water — and alkalinity stable. Rated intermediate in difficulty, it rewards a mature tank and a patient light acclimation; gold-brown pigmentation can look dull in a newly placed colony and improves as the polyps settle and expand fully.

Keeping and spread

Growth is moderate and mat-forming. The spreading mat can smother slower neighbours if given contact, so leave about 2 in of buffer space and consider isolated rockwork for control. Aggression is moderate. Frag by cutting through the mat between polyps, mounting the section, and allowing it to heal in moderate light and flow before moving it on.