Live Sea Fans and Gorgonians: Sea Rods, Feather Gorgonians, Finger Gorgonians, Ribbon Gorgonians, Sea Fans

Sea Fans - Gorgonians

Sea Fans : Gorgonians Sea fans are found primarily in shallow waters, though some have been found at depths of several thousand feet. The size, shape, and appearance of the gorgonians are highly correlated with their location. The more fan-shaped and flexible gorgonians tend to populate shallower areas with strong currents, while the taller, thinner, and stiffer gorgonians can be found in deeper, calmer waters.

Anatomy Gorgonians consist of individual tiny polyps that form colonies. Most species form colonies attached to a hard surface such as a coral reef or a rock, but some species will instead attach themselves to mud or sand.

Diet & Feeding The gorgonian is a filter feeder. Each polyp is equipped with eight tentacles which are used to catch planktons and other types of organic matter that is brought to it by the currents. To make the process more efficient, the “fan” of the gorgonian will be oriented across the prevailing current. Certain species of gorgonian have a symbiotic relationships with algae to gain access to a more reliable food source. The algae will carry out photosynthesis and the gorgonian will therefore get energy as well as oxygen. Gorgonians that contain algae will require strong lighting, while gorgonians without algae need to get all their energy from what they can filter from the water. Aquarists come up with different food mixtures and you can for instance make your own mash from various sea foods such as shrimps, clams, squid etcetera, and/or give your gorgonians rotifers and brine shrimp. Many gorgonians prefer to feed when the aquarium is dark and it can also be a good idea to turn off or at least turn down filters and skimmers to prevent the food particles from being filtered out of the water. Ideally start by serving a small portion of food to make the gorgonian open its polyps and serve a second larger portion when you known that the animal is ready to eat.

Water Movement For a filter feed that can not hunt for food or remove its on waste products, a reliable current is naturally a must in the wild as well as in the aquarium. Continuous water movements are also necessary to keep the oxygen levels high enough. Try to mimic the habitat of the wild gorgonian by anchoring it where it will be exposed to a direct current.

Lighting A majority of the species that are sold in the aquarium trade are shallow living gorgonians that inhabit the upper parts of coral reefs. Provide them with strong lighting, e.g. by using metal halide lights or actinic/metal halide combinations. Strong lighting is especially important for gorgonians that contain photosynthesising algae.

Red Finger Gorgonian
Diodogorgia nodulifera

Description:The Red Tree Gorgonian is an attractive branching tree-like coral, it is extremely brittle and breaks easily, making it easy to propagate in this way.This gorgonian is non-photosynthetic and makes a great addition to any reef aquarium, or one containing Seahorses.
Management:The Red Tree Gorgonian is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. This gorgonian is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available. It also requires a stronger water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in freshwater of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute.
Feeding:The Red Tree Gorgonian should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlancton and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 5" to 8"

$19.99

Yellow Finger Gorgonian
Diodogorgia nodulifera

Description:The Yellow Tree Gorgonian is an attractive branching tree-like coral, it is extremely brittle and breaks easily, making it easy to propagate in this way.This gorgonian is non-photosynthetic and makes a great addition to any reef aquarium, or one containing Seahorses.
Management:The Yellow Tree Gorgonian is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. This gorgonian is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available. It also requires a stronger water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in freshwater of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute.
Feeding:The Yellow Tree Gorgonian should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlancton and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 5" to 8"

$19.99

Orange Tree Gorgonian
Swiftia exserta

Description:The Orange Tree Gorgonian (Swiftia exserta)is a great addition to the reef tank. Anchoring this gorgonian to a small piece of live rock so that it can stand up in a tank will make positioning it in areas of high water flow much easier
Management:The Orange Tree Gorgonian is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium.
Management:In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow.
Diet & Feeding:Because the Orange Tree Gorgonian is not photosynthetic, its survival is dependent on weekly feedings of foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates. It also requires good water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water on occasion.
Approximate purchase size: 8" to 12"

$24.99

Golden Sea Rod
Pterogorgia citrina

Beutiful Gold Color with Bright Flowers!

Description:The Golden Sea Rod is common among the reefs of the Caribbean and grows in a vertical, tree-like fashion. The branches are yellow in appearance and have a bumpy texture when the polyps are not expanded. The polyps of this gorgonian are very small and white, and are often expanded during the daytime. This gorgonian is hardier than many of its counterparts and will add to your reef aquarium’s diversity.
Management:The Golden Sea Rod is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. This gorgonian is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available. It also requires a stronger water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in freshwater of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute.
Feeding:The Golden Sea Rod should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlan and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 8" to 12"

$19.99

Purple Feather Gorgonian
Muriceopsis flavida

A Real Beauty!!!!

Description:The Purple Feather Gorgonian is also referred to as Purple Bush, Lamarck's Gorgonian, or Rough Sea Plume. It is a branching coral that is closely related to hard corals. It is pinnately branched, forming tall, feather-like colonies and has a beautiful purple coloration. The polyps are nocturnal, and the branches are bumpy in appearance when the polyps are withdrawn. It is semi-aggressive and should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. It makes a rewarding addition to the well-established reef system. It requires medium to high lighting.
Management:In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush, and cyanobacteria can be combated by soaking the coral in fresh water of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute. These corals will also benefit from the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
Feeding: The Purple Feather Gorgonian should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, Bioplankton and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate purchase size: 6" to 10"

$29.99

Red Sea Whip Gorgonian
Lophogorgia chilensis

Description:The Red Sea Whip is an attractive branching tree-like coral. One of the easiest to propagate the Red Sea Whip needs to just be broken into multiple parts, then by glueing with crazy glue gel to a piece of aquarium rock. Bright red, it grows into small and sparsely branched colonies. Once established in the aquarium polyps will appear during the evening hours.
Approximate purchase size: 6" to 8"

$29.99

Green Lace Sea fan

Description:The Green Lace Gorgonian is also known as the Green Lace Sea Whip. The behavior of the majority of Gorgonian sea blades is peaceful, but they should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor the base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. This Green Lace Sea fan is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available. They are moderately difficult to maintain, but make a rewarding addition to the well-established reef system.
Management:In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian be provided with a medium to strong water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush, and cyanobacteria can be combated by soaking the coral in fresh water of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute.
Feeding:The Green Lace Gorgonian should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlan and other suitable micro foods. Sea Fans will also benefit from the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Approximate purchase size: 6" to 10"

$29.99

Purple Candleabra
Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata

Description:Sea fans like the Purple Candleabra create a beautiful display of height and motion in the home reef aquarium. They are easily maintained and propagated, making them an ideal choice for the dedicated hobbyist. The Purple Candleabra Gorgonian has a flexible axis that has the elasticity of stiff rubber, allowing it to sway while filter feeding in strong currents without breaking. Most commonly found on outer oceanic reefs attached to vertical faces and the undersides of ledges, Caribbean Pseudopterogorgia have narrow smooth branches that are commonly pinnate.
Management:A fast growing coral, care should be taken in allowing ample room for expansion and any interference from other neighboring corals. It is moderately easy to maintain and propagate when encrusted to substrate rubble. It requires medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in fresh water of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute. These corals will also benefit from the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
Feeding: The Purple Candleabra Gorgonian is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. This gorgonian is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available.
Approximate Purchase Size: 6" - 8"

$39.99

Purple Corky Finger
Briareum asbestinum

Description: The Purple Corky Finger is also known as the Deadman's Fingers, Moss Coral, Encrusting Gorgonian, or simply Briareum. It has long, grass-like polyps which are normally extended continuously, retracted only when disturbed. Briareum asbestinum can have multiple forms including encrusting, flat or knobby crusts, or upright branches as pictured above. The polyps will vary in many color variations, size, and shape. The Purple Corky Finger is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium.
Management:A fast growing coral, care should be taken in allowing ample room for expansion and any interference from other neighboring corals. It is moderately easy to maintain and propagate when encrusted to substrate rubble. It requires medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in fresh water of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute. These corals will also benefit from the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
Feeding: For continued good health, it will require the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Some species of Briareum are toxic. It is highly photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which it receives most of its nutrients, but may also capture some particulate matter.
Approximate purchase size: 4" to 6"

$16.99

Blueberry Gorgonia

Reef Tank Beauty!

Description:As with any gorgonian, no two corals are identical. When the blueberry gorgonian is closed, their coloring ranges from brown to orange, and they look like any ordinary coral. But when the polyps are open, large, light blue polyps emerge to create a huge cloud of pale blue against the red branches of its frame. When the gorgonian is fully open, it is similar to a blooming underwater flower. The skeleton of a blueberry gorgonian is flexible and colonies of blueberry gorgonians form underwater forests on the ocean floor with their plethora of blooming polyps and latticed branches.
Requirements: Since the blueberry gorgonian is not photosynthetic, only a low or medium level of light will be needed in the tank.
Diet: Because the blueberry gorgonian resides in the deep waters and is not a photosynthetic coral, its diet consists completely of trapped organisms that pass through in the ocean currents. They will require a steady, intense water flow. Blueberry gorgonian feedings should take place very often and consist of a variety of micro organisms, including frozen baby brine shrimp, phyto plankton, marine snow or other recommended foods. Trace elements including iodine, calcium, and strontium are recommended from time to time to supplement the heath of the blueberry gorgonian.
Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3-1/2" to 5"; Large: 6" to 8"

Small $29.99 Medium $39.99 Large $59.99

Purple Ribbon Gorgonian

Description:The Purple Ribbon Gorgonia is also referred to as Purple Sea Blade, or Purple Sea Whip. This particular gorgonian has rows of polyps that extend down the sides of each blade. Gorgonians regularly shed tissue to remove buildup of sediment and algae from forming on their skeleton. All photosynthetic gorgonians require 4-5 watts per gallon to thrive. Like many corals it also filter feeds, so weekly feeding is recommended for optimal health. We offer single specimens, some mounted on small pieces of live rock that range from 4-6" tall.
Management: It is not necessary to feed this coral but it does have the ability to take in tiny bits of food and will do so from time to time. This coral requires at least VHO or Power Compact intensity lighting in order to do well in the aquarium. Keeping this coral in an area of high water flow is necessary to help prevent algae from forming on its branches, so using a powerhead pointed toward the gorgonian for good water flow is highly recommended. If any algae begins to form on this coral, it must be removed from the branches immediately. This can be accomplished using a small, soft brush, such as a brand new soft bristled toothbrush.

Feeding: It relies on photosynthesis, but its diet should also include regular feedings of micro-plankton, live, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates, in order to survive in the reef aquarium.
Approximate purchase size: 10"

$24.99

Silver Quill Gorgonian
Muricea laxa

Description:The Silver Quill Gorgonian is common among the reefs of the Caribbean and grows in a bushy, but still tree-like fashion. The branches are silver-green in appearance and have a bumpy texture when the polyps are not expanded. The polyps of this gorgonian are very small and golden in color, and are often expanded during the daytime. A slow grower, it is hardier than many of its counterparts and will add to your reef aquarium’s diversity. Under lower lighting the gorgonian grows outward, more bushier. Given more bright light the Silver Quill grows more upright. Thic coral does very well with no direct feeding, but will show significant growth when target fed Phytoplankton.

Management:The Silver Quill is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. This gorgonian is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available. It also requires a stronger water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in freshwater of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute.
Feeding:The Silver Quill should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlancton and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 8" to 12"

$19.99

WE WANT YOUR CORALS TO GROW - NOT JUST STAY ALIVE

Why Phytoplankton:
Phytoplankton is very important to marine life. It is the primary producers in the ocean. Crucial to the development and survival of most, if not all marine animals . But what is phytoplankton? It is just a fancy word for tiny floating plants (such as diatoms and dinoflagellates), which serve the same role in the food chains of the oceans as grass and shrubs serve on land; namely small things eat them. Many coral reef animals feed directly on phytoplankton. Some essential nutrients provided by phytoplankton cannot be synthesized by animals, and therefore are extremely important components of a healthy diet.
Click here for more information on the importance of phytoplankton for your corals

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Note: Lighting and coloration of corals: Please note not all corals from our tanks and lighting will look the same when they are in your tanks. Everybody's tanks have different lighting setups, spectrums, combinations, etc. Aquacon's tanks are light by 400 watt 20K Halide bulbs. We use these bulbs because it provides the perfect balance of natural white light along with the deeper actinic blue that corals need to bring out the correct colors and to thrive off of. If your tank consists of all daylight (10K's, 65K's etc.) with minimal actinic lighting, your not going to get as many of the vibrant true colors from your corals as you would with the correct lighting combination. If you need better descriptions of corals please feel free to contact us.