Pikachu

Pikachu is a Zoanthus strain of solid, bright yellow on a small polyp — one of the cleanest yellows in the zoanthid hobby, with no ring or speckle to dilute the colour. A tight colony reads as an intense yellow patch that contrasts sharply with reds, blues and greens nearby. It is a Tier 2 name, widely recognised, and popular precisely because solid yellow zoanthids that hold their colour are not common.

Care

It is listed as easy care, for medium lighting and medium flow in the bottom to middle of the tank. Keep nutrients measurable — zoanthids sulk in ultra-clean water — and alkalinity stable, with flow passing through the mat. True yellow colour is best maintained with adequate but not excessive light; acclimate gradually if moving a colony higher, and judge colour only after polyps have been opening fully for several days.

Keeping and spread

Growth is fast for a Zoanthus, and mat-forming, so this strain covers ground more quickly than most in the group. Give it about 2 in of space at minimum and expect to manage its edges, as a fast mat can smother slower neighbours. Aggression is moderate. Fragging is straightforward — cut through the mat between polyps and mount the section — and fast growth means colonies recover and fill in promptly after fragging.