Description

🪸 Gorgonian Coral: Description & Care Guide

🌿 Description:

Gorgonians, also known as sea fans or sea whips, are a group of soft corals found in both shallow and deep waters around the world. They’re known for their branching, tree-like structures and stunning movement in the current. Gorgonians add a natural, dynamic look to any reef tank and come in various colors, including purple, red, yellow, and tan.

There are two main types:

• Photosynthetic Gorgonians (easier to care for): These contain symbiotic zooxanthellae algae and need light to survive.
• Non-Photosynthetic (NPS) Gorgonians: These do not rely on light and must be fed regularly with planktonic foods.

🛠️ Care Requirements:

💡 Lighting:

• Photosynthetic Gorgonians need moderate to high lighting (e.g., T5s, LEDs, or metal halides).
• NPS Gorgonians prefer low to no light and should be placed in shaded or dim areas of the tank.

🌊 Flow:

• Strong, indirect water flow is ideal. It helps prevent detritus from settling on their branches and aids in nutrient absorption.

🌡 Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25°C)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Nitrates/Phosphates: Keep low, but not zero, especially for photosynthetic species.

🍤 Feeding:

• Photosynthetic species can thrive on light alone but benefit from occasional feedings (e.g., phyto- and zooplankton, marine snow).
• NPS species require daily to multiple feedings per day with small particle foods like rotifers, Cyclops, or Reef Roids.

🧽 Maintenance Tips:

• Regularly clean the coral gently with a turkey baster or flow to remove detritus.
• Keep an eye out for algae overgrowth, which can smother the coral.
• Stable water parameters and good nutrient control are essential.

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For:

• Gorgonians are sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry.
• NPS types can be challenging due to their heavy feeding needs and are better for advanced hobbyists.
• Some species produce chemical defenses, so avoid placing them too close to other corals.

✅ Best Gorgonian Species for Beginners:

• Purple Brush Gorgonian (Pseudopterogorgia spp.)
• Corky Sea Finger (Briareum spp.)
• Yellow Sea Whip (Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata) — photosynthetic and hardy