Yellow Sea Whip Care Guide
Pterogorgia citrina, the yellow sea whip, is a hardy bright yellow flat-bladed photosynthetic gorgonian for high-flow marine aquaria.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pterogorgia citrina is a Caribbean photosynthetic gorgonian, an octocoral with flat blade-like branches and a bright yellow colour, marketed as the yellow sea whip or sea blade. Like other gorgonians it is a colony of polyps, each with eight pinnate tentacles, and it is regarded as hardy.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pterogorgiidae
- Genus: Pterogorgia
- Scientific name: Pterogorgia citrina (Esper, 1792)
- Class: Octocorallia; Order: Malacalcyonacea
- WoRMS AphiaID: 290925 (accepted)
Habitat and biology
The species is found in the Caribbean. It is zooxanthellate, depending largely on photosynthetic symbionts while its polyps also capture plankton. As a flexible gorgonian it favours shallow areas with strong currents.
Aquarium care
Pterogorgia citrina is a passive, reef-, shrimp- and fish-safe coral suited to intermediate keepers. Photosynthetic biology means it does not require intense lighting, but it does need high flow to stay free of detritus. 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: 0.3-0.8 cm per month (tree-like)
Feeding
In addition to photosynthesis, the colony benefits from supplemental amino acids and phytoplankton filtered from the water.
Propagating Pterogorgia citrina (Yellow Sea Whip)
Overview
Pterogorgia citrina is a Caribbean gorgonian in the family Gorgoniidae, one of a small group of blade-type sea whips. Phylogenetic study of the genus separates species mainly by calyx and branch morphology, placing P. citrina in a clade distinct from P. anceps. Its flat-bladed branches carry polyps along the edges.
Reproductive Mode
Pterogorgia is a photosynthetic gorgonian whose tissues hold zooxanthellae; this symbiotic relationship provides nutrition through photosynthesis. Because so much of its energy comes from light, the genus is regarded as undemanding in the aquarium and is propagated chiefly by asexual fragmentation rather than by rearing larvae.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Propagation follows the standard gorgonian method: cut a section of blade with sharp shears and remount it. As with other gorgonians, if part of a branch is damaged it can be cut away with scissors without harming the rest of the colony, and healthy cuttings encrust onto a plug quickly.
- Choose a healthy blade segment on a colony in good condition.
- Cut a tip cleanly with sharp shears.
- Glue or wedge the cutting into rubble or a plug.
- Provide moderate-to-high light and strong flow.
Feeding & Conditions for Propagation
Photosynthetic gorgonians do best under moderate-to-high lighting for several hours a day, paired with strong flow. Sufficient flow blows off the thin mucus membrane these corals periodically shed, ensuring better overall health while the new cutting heals. Heavy target feeding is not required for this zooxanthellate species.
Common Challenges
Photosynthetic gorgonians such as Pterogorgia are sensitive mainly to major swings in pH or salinity, and to stagnant flow that leaves the mucus film in place. Keeping water parameters stable and flow strong is the most reliable way to carry a fresh frag through to encrustation.