Propagating Diodogorgia nodulifera (Devil's Sea Whip)

Propagating the non-photosynthetic Caribbean gorgonian Diodogorgia nodulifera: branch fragmentation plus the demanding zooplankton feeding this deepwater, azooxanthellate species requires.

Overview

Diodogorgia nodulifera is the commonly available yellow-and-red knobby gorgonian, widespread throughout the Caribbean. In nature it lives almost exclusively in deeper water, appearing from about 40-50 feet and ranging down to roughly 600 feet, often in shaded sites such as ledge overhangs, walls and caves on shallower patch reefs, and out in the open on deeper reefs.

Reproductive Mode

As an azooxanthellate gorgonian it lacks symbiotic algae and gains no energy from light, depending entirely on captured food. This nutritional dependence shapes how it must be propagated: any frag has to be sustained by feeding from the outset.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Like other gorgonians, it is propagated by cutting a branch and remounting it. A healthy section is cut with sharp shears and secured to rubble or a plug, after which the cut coral must be kept feeding to recover and grow rather than left to rely on light.

1. Select a healthy branch with no tissue loss.
2. Cut a section cleanly with sharp shears.
3. Mount the cutting onto rubble or a plug.
4. Resume frequent target feeding immediately.

Feeding & Conditions for Propagation

It has been observed feeding on frozen cyclops and frozen rotifers, and gorgonians with polyps as large as this species' are also likely to take newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii. Because non-photosynthetic systems demand a great deal of time and upkeep, sustained feeding is the decisive condition for a frag to thrive.

Common Challenges

The main difficulty is keeping the coral fed enough to stay plump and healthy; non-photosynthetic gorgonians decline quickly when underfed, and the heavy feeding regimen needs to be balanced against nutrient build-up. These corals are best reserved for keepers committed to a dedicated NPS setup.