Caribbean Bushy Sea Rod Care Guide
Plexaura flexuosa, the Caribbean bushy sea rod, is a photosynthetic gorgonian with bushy branching, kept in high-flow marine aquaria.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Plexaura flexuosa is a Caribbean photosynthetic gorgonian, an octocoral commonly called the bushy sea rod. Like other gorgonians it forms a colony of polyps, each with eight pinnate tentacles, on a flexible internal axis. It is tan to purple and sways in the water flow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plexauridae
- Genus: Plexaura
- Scientific name: Plexaura flexuosa (Lamouroux, 1821)
- Class: Octocorallia; Order: Malacalcyonacea
- WoRMS: accepted as Eunicea flexuosa (AphiaID 834203)
Habitat and biology
The species occurs on Caribbean reefs. It is zooxanthellate, hosting photosynthetic symbionts that supply much of its energy, while its polyps can also capture plankton and particulate matter from the water. Flexible, branched gorgonians like this typically inhabit shallow areas with strong currents.
Aquarium care
It is a passive, reef-, shrimp- and fish-safe coral suited to intermediate keepers. Because it is photosynthetic, strong lighting is not required, but it does need vigorous flow to stay clean and healthy. It is best added to an established tank of at least about three months.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm; Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: ≤15 ppm; Phosphate: ≤0.1 ppm
- Lighting: 75-175 PAR (medium); Flow: high
- Growth rate: 0.3-1 cm per month (tree-like)
Feeding
Beyond photosynthesis, this gorgonian benefits from supplemental amino acids and phytoplankton, which it filters from the water along with naturally occurring plankton.
Plexaura flexuosa (Caribbean Sea Rod) Propagation Guide
Overview
Plexaura flexuosa is a gorgonian-type octocoral in the family Plexauridae and one of the photosynthetic Caribbean gorgonians, sometimes sold as a purple candelabra. As an octocoral it grows as a colony of polyps, each with eight feathery tentacles, supported on a flexible branching axis, and it carries symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply much of its energy from light.
Reproductive Mode
Octocorals have a complex life cycle with a motile planktonic larva, the planula, and a later sessile phase; the gonads sit near the base of each mesentery. Sexual reproduction therefore proceeds through gamete release and a free-swimming larval stage. In the aquarium, gorgonians are multiplied asexually instead, by cutting and re-securing branch sections.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
To frag a sea rod, take scissors or cutters and cut off a branch section; a cut to a healthy colony does no harm to the rest of it. Secure the cutting to a plug or rock, since most gorgonians encrust onto plugs quickly. Dry the base of the cutting and the plug, add a couple of dabs of cyanoacrylate glue, and stand the piece upright; gorgonians are best placed freestanding and secured to rock.
Conditions for Propagation
Good water flow is one of the most important factors in keeping gorgonians, because strong current removes the mucus membrane the colony periodically sheds and supports polyp extension. Photosynthetic gorgonians also need moderate to high lighting for several hours a day. A freshly secured cutting recovers fastest under brisk flow and good light while it encrusts onto the plug.
Common Challenges
Insufficient flow lets mucus accumulate and algae settle on a fresh cutting, so keep current strong and turbulent. Basting the cutting to clear shed mucus helps the polyps re-extend and the base attach cleanly to the plug or rock.