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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published
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.