Do these zoas already have a name?

[EMeyer]

Got some pretty new zoas on an Indo rock that are settling in nicely so its time to identify them. Like most imported zoas, I suspect these are already floating around there with a name, and I'd rather not rename them just because I couldnt find the existing name.

So -- anyone recognize any of these? Thanks!

Unknown #1 (note the rings on face and tentacles)

Unknown #2

Unknown #3 (note the complete lack of any speckles -- this is a smooth red-orange color with no speckling) (redder in person than the photo, which came out orange)

 

[Pntbll687]

Here's the thing...

You can take pictures under one light and the zoas appear to have all sorts of colors so you "name" them according to other pictures. The picture you're comparing them to may be under a completely different spectrum thus highlighting different colors.

Also, people dose certain elements to bring out certain colors. So if you buy a zoa it may "lose" or change color in your system.

I think there needs to be a push for a standard as to what lighting pictures need to be taken under, so comparisons from one seller to another can be made.

 

[EMeyer]

Lighting is important, which is why I showed each zoa first under blues then under whites. I totally agree there should be a standard, and IMO that is what the standard should be

 

[Pntbll687]

Lighting is important, which is why I showed each zoa first under blues then under whites. I totally agree there should be a standard, and IMO that is what the standard should be

Agreed, shots under blue and then shots under something like 10k

I would just check some sites and see if anything matches. BUT if they don't match exactly just throw a "Ultra gob stopper" on them and start at $200 per polyp to see if you get any bites

 

[Dsanchez1221]

I'm sure they have been named, probably more than once. I am the same and like to know the name of them if I can. It kind of makes them a little more exciting.

The first one looks very much like a frag I bought a couple years ago from my LFS. They were labeled as "Magicians Blast" but I never found much info on that name and also found a couple different ones with the same name.

I also think there needs to be a more industry standard for these Zoa names and a reliable source for identification/authentication. Normally I wouldn't care one way or another but the naming of Zoa's is getting out of control. Many sellers make up a name or incorrectly name them just so they can put a higher price tag on it. Named ones sell for much more than unnamed frags!

Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[littlebigreef]

First one makes me think of a Ko nightmare with the ring in the center and the coloration outside. The second one is unique, it has a passing similarity with a speckled krak but is clearly something else. Third one reminds me of a regular vdm... some have that dark ring and some don't.

Its def cool to see all these now stains coming from Indo, I've managed to sang some pretty good looking no namers from my lfs.

 

[vtecintegra]

You can try this: http://www.zoabrary.com/

 

[Kn1ghtG1]

First one remind me of Darth Maul.

Third one just throwing something out there.. mostly wrong but LD Maga Hats

 

[Hairyteeth]

Saw #1 at my lfs this week, also new import...300 bucks for about 12 polyps or so

 

[ChuckTownReefer]

I'm not trying to be an a**h*** but probably every zoa unless you are importing wild colony's has already been named, named and then named again.

 

[EMeyer]

I'm not trying to be an a**h*** but probably every zoa unless you are importing wild colony's has already been named, named and then named again.

I agree, which was the goal of this post - to see if they are already named.

In my opinion, its bad for the hobby when people slap random new names on every 'no-name' zoa they buy. We don't need 5 different names for Sunny Ds, but here we are.

Thanks for the input so far!

 

[littlebigreef]

Ko nightmares for reference, distinguishing differences between them and mauls is the ring around the mouth.

 

[HeyJay]

The first zoas I bought ~15 years ago had the very exotic name of "Green". I wonder what they're called now.

 

[EMeyer]

I dunno, when I started collecting zoas I found the names silly.

And to be sure, the choice of names is often really dumb, I mean, Blue Eyed Blond ***s? *** Kraks? Buttkissers? There are some I just wont use, because the names themselves are so stupid.

And yeah, maybe we could just call King Midas "Yellow Zoas" instead.

But when we start discussing zoas with more complicated patterns, the descriptive names get ridiculous. "Reddish-orange face with a dark mouth and ring, and a green skirt" is quite a mouthful. "Eagle Eyes" is just easier.

So I've begrudgingly learned to love the silly names. These days, what grinds my gears instead is the needless renaming the leads to me buying zoas with a new name that turn out to be identical to one already in my collection under a different name. (Bowsers, I'm looking at you)

 

[NashobaTek]

Maybe they should just be named the scientific name and left at that.

 

[littlebigreef]

Always fun when an ID thread turns into a gripe about the ‘name game’ thread. Fact is a strong dose of common sense and an attention to detail goes a long way. Some zoas, like rastas, have a ‘distinguishing characteristic’ and some don’t. There’s strains being collected we couldn’t imagine 25 years ago and so describing them is often subjective at best. Sometimes stuff morphs or is only regionally available some times. Some dudes are greedy and rename stuff. Fact is I’m now seeing tenuis sps with as many different names as any unique zoa. So make of it what you will.

 

[EMeyer]

Maybe they should just be named the scientific name and left at that.

I can relate to the sentiment, but the problem is this would not distinguish between different color morphs of the same species. There are very few species in the trade, but probably over a hundred color morphs (which have been assigned probably 300-500 names)