Gorgonians are some very interesting corals for the saltwater enthusiast. These corals although consider a soft coral in all actuality have a calcareous supporting branch structure underneath the surface skin. Some of these corals are Photosynthetic and require fairly intense light. Some are Non-Photosynthetic and require regular feeding in the tank in order to survive and usually prefer dimly light areas of the tank. A good but very general rule is that if its brightly colored with white polyps then its Non-Photosynthetic, if its drab or dark colored with white polyps then its Photosynthetic.

The Non-Photosynthetic Gorgonians such as Diodogoria Nodulifera, are very popular and in high demand due to their Red or bright Orange or Yellow color however has a very dismal survival rate in the aquarium. These are fairly readily available in the trade but are best left to experts as feeding them sufficient food can be difficult and costly.

There are thankfully several different and fairly nice Photosynthetic varieties of Gorgonians out there that will do nice in the aquarium and are adaptable to a wide range of lighting conditions. Some of the more popular selections in this category are the Corkey Sea Finger, Purple Frilly Gorgonian and the Purple Sea Whip/Blade.

The Corkey Sea Finger is kind of a thick-fingered branchy coral that’s drab brown or purplish in color. The Polyps are an off white to brown in color. It does great under adequate PC/VHO/T-5 HO lighting. It will how ever enjoy an occasional feeding of DT’s but doesn’t rely on this for the bulk of its nutritional up take. It is fairly reasonably priced in the aquarium trade and is commonly available.

The Purple Frilly Gorgonian is probably one of the most common Gorgonians for sale. They have a very bright purple and finely branched coral structure with Beige or brown colored little polyps. These are fairly fast growing corals that are easily keep in the aquarium and do well under just about any lighting conditions other than Normal Out-put lights. This coral will appreciate being in an area of moderate water flow as its susceptible to having algae grow on the branches and this will smother the coral eventually and cause tissue recession. Its not too demanding in the lighting requirements and will benefit from an occasional feeding of DT's

The Purple Sea Whip/Blade is very similar to the purple Frilly Gorgonian color wise except that the branches aren’t so fine and have a tendency to be flat and ribbon like. It will do rather well in water conditions similar to the two previously aforementioned Gorgonians. Its not too demanding in the lighting requirements and will benefit from an occasional feeding of DT's


Before buying one of these corals ensure that it is securely attached to a decent sized piece of rubble that it grew on. Those specimens lacking this will require to be re-attached to a piece of rubble before adding to the aquarium. It’s recommended that these not be purchased, as survival is a bit iffy. If your Gorgonian should out grow your tank, fear not. These are fairly easy corals to frag. Simply cut off a branch 2-4 inches long, and strip about an 1/8 of an inch of tissue from its base end and add a dab of super glue gel to the rock of your choice and then stick the de-nuded section of the branch into this until its dry. Do not allow the skin to come in contact with the glue as this will usually result in a failed fragging attempt. Put the coral back in the tank and wait for it to grow. That’s really all there is to it and you should have a pretty decent survival rate with this method. This is an excellent coral to propagate and trade with fellow Reefers and conserve the seas natural resources. As far as placement in the tank goes I prefer to put them on the sand substrate on the side or the back side of the rock work. This provides it with plenty of growing room with out taking up too much valuable space on the rock work best suited for other corals. Just don’t bury the foot of the coral in the substrate, as this will cause it to deteriorate.

Hopefully this will give you some insight into one more aspect of what the ocean has to offer the hobby. It’s hard to have a reef tank and not enjoy at least one of these corals for inclusion in your system. So go out and get yours too!