Propagating Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata (Bipinnate Sea Plume)

Propagating the bipinnate sea plume Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata (now Antillogorgia bipinnata): branch-tip fragmentation plus the light and flow that feed its zooxanthellae.

Overview

Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata, now placed in the genus Antillogorgia, is a Caribbean sea plume in the family Gorgoniidae. It grows as a bipinnate fan, usually in a single plane, reaching about 57 cm tall, with paired branchlets 25-40 mm long set roughly every 5 mm along the main stem. Colonies are typically violet or purple, with yellow or whitish variants. It occurs in shallow Bahamas, South Florida and wider Caribbean reefs, mostly at 9-20 m and recorded to 27 m.

Reproductive Mode

Mature specimens harbour symbiotic zooxanthellae in their tissues, so the species is photosynthetic. Notably, planula larvae and newly metamorphosed polyps lack these algae at first and acquire them only after settlement. For aquarists this means a frag taken from healthy adult tissue already carries its symbionts, while larval rearing would require the symbionts to be reacquired.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Propagation follows the general sea plume method: cut a branch tip from a healthy colony with sharp shears and mount it. The feathery branchlets make for naturally bushy frags, and sea plume gorgonians are generally hardy and encrust onto plugs readily.

1. Pick a healthy branch on a colony with full tissue.
2. Cut a branch tip cleanly with sharp shears.
3. Glue or wedge the cutting into rubble or a plug.
4. Provide moderate light and strong flow.

Feeding & Conditions for Propagation

Because adult tissue is zooxanthellate, the plume is fed largely by light and does not require heavy target feeding. Moderate-to-high light and strong flow keep it healthy; flow also sheds the periodic mucus membrane. Purple sea plume gorgonians are reported as generally hardy except where pH or salinity fluctuate sharply.

Sexual Reproduction

The species reproduces through planula larvae that metamorphose into polyps, with zooxanthellae acquired secondarily after the larval stage. Rearing larvae is impractical in home aquaria, so propagation relies on fragmentation of established colonies.

Common Challenges

Sharp swings in pH or salinity are the main stressors, and weak flow can leave the mucus film in place and invite algae on a fresh cut. Stable parameters and brisk current are the practical keys to healing frags.