Gorgonian Sea Fan Care Guide

Gorgonians are branching octocorals (sea fans and sea whips) with eight-tentacled polyps; photosynthetic species are easier to keep than azooxanthellate ones.

Overview

Gorgonians, commonly called sea fans and sea whips, are colonial octocorals (class Octocorallia) in which numerous tiny polyps, each bearing eight tentacles, are embedded in a soft matrix. The colony grows as a branching, often fan-shaped form, adding height and movement to a reef display.

Taxonomy

Family: Gorgoniidae
Class: Octocorallia
Scientific name: Pseudopterogorgia sp.
Common synonyms: Sea Fan, Sea Rod, Gorgonian Coral

Habitat

Gorgonians are colonial reef organisms recorded from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The soft matrix is generally flexible but in many species is reinforced with calcareous or horny material, allowing the tall branching colonies to flex in current.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
Flow: moderate to strong to keep tissue clean and deliver food

Diet

Photosynthetic (zooxanthellate) gorgonians are easier to keep, hosting zooxanthellae and needing moderate light, while non-photosynthetic (azooxanthellate) varieties require frequent target feeding with phytoplankton. All gorgonians need moderate to strong flow to keep tissue clean and to deliver food; dead branches should be pruned to prevent algae overgrowth.

Compatibility

Gorgonians are peaceful and generally reef-safe, suiting tanks with clownfish, gobies, wrasses and seahorses. They should be kept away from flamingo tongue snails and large angelfish that prey on or nip the colony.