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.
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.