Rainbow Hornets Zoanthids
The original "Hornet" was the Purple Hornet, named after its alterating purple and yellow skirt. Similar to the yellow and black banding of the insect hornet. However, the pattern trait that stuck the most from it was the beautiful clean ring it had around the mouth. Now, the name "Hornet" is given to most zoanthids with the ring pattern.
The Rainbow Hornet does not have alternating skirts, but from far away no one can really tell. It has the bright ring in the center just like all other Hornets, and has a handsome deep purple-blue body with gorgeous metallic orange skirts! Rainbow Hornets also went by the name Flaming Hornets, after their brilliant orange skirts, but the name Rainbow Hornets became more commonly used as the years went by.
Rainbow Hornets have a more thin and "flat" body appearance compared to other Hornet types, such as the infamous Red, Blue, and Purple Hornets (which are plumpy and juicy). They grow much more compact and have a slightly faster growth rate. We suspect that it's a different species of zoanthids than the original trio hornets. But that doesn't make it any less desirable! The skirts as mentioned before are a brilliant metallic orange that makes it glow under LEDs! The yellow ring is a welcomed contrast among the purple-blue body. And the biggest plus, is it is much easier to care for than other Hornet types.
This is an amazing zoanthid for any level of reefer, as the colors just pop and its fairly easy to grow.
Originator
Unknown
Care Level
Best tried after you've had success with a few other easier corals first and have an understanding of basic reef chemistry such as keeping salinity, alkalinity, calicium, and magnesium levels consistent. The coral itself is very easy to care for if you test for your parameters often and have created a consistent maintanence routine for your reef!
Growth Rate
A moderate grower. Increased growth with feeding such as Benepets.
Lighting Placement
Prefers to be kept in lower to medium light.
Currently kept under Kessil A360X units. Mounting height 24" above water line. 12:00PM - 10:00PM at 100% blue intensity.
Flow Strength
We recommend starting smaller zoanthid frags in lower flow until it reaches a small colony size. Once established, increase the flow level to avoid any detritus building up in between the mat. If detritus builds up inside the matting of the zoanthid, it can cause bacterial issues.
Currently kept with Maxspect Gyre 350s Pumps.
Supplements
Brightwell's Amino Acids, Lugols, Replenish, Restor, Potassion, KoralColor.
Benepets Coral Food.
Early Black Friday