Gorgonians (Sea Fans and Sea Rods)

Common names: sea fans, sea rods

Difficulty Level: Some species may adapt to captive life, but all require very regular feedings.

Feeding: All gorgonians need to be fed on a regular schedule, but the azoo varieties require so much food that they are nearly impossible to keep. Small suspension foods such as phyto and roti work best.

Lighting (Level 0, 3, or 7): Little or no light is needed for the azooxanthellate species. Dim lighting is needed for Subergorgia spp.,Diodogorgia nudulifera, Swiftia exserta and Leptogorgia miniate from the Caribbean. More intense lighting is needed for zooxanthellate corals, Erythropodium spp. (encrusting gorgonians), Eunicea spp., Muricea spp., Pseudotergorgia spp., and Plexaura flexuosa.

Water flow: Strong water flow is a must with all species. Flow should travel perpendicular to the plane of the gorgonian and should reverse directions to keep both sides clear of debris.

Placement: Gorgonians are very sensitive and should be placed far enough away from neighboring corals to prevent stings.

General: Occasionally a waxy surface film may build up on gorgonians that are not in enough flow. This wax should be removed with a powerhead or turkey baster.

Back to the coral guide.