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FAQs about Sea Fan Identification
Related Articles: Sea Fans,
Related FAQs: Sea Fans 1, Sea Fans 2, Sea
Fan Behavior, Sea Fan Selection,
Sea Fan Compatibility,
Sea Fan Systems, Sea Fan Feeding,
Sea Fan Disease, Sea
Fan Reproduction,
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Purple Gorgonian I.D.
4/30/08
Hello all,
<Andrew>
This is another one of those questions I hate to be asking. For the record I do
love to read through the FAQ's as a general rule, for no more than mental
stimulation at times. Though a lot of the time I do use them as reference's for
my own reef problems. On this occasion I have not been able to find an answer to
what seems like a very simple question!! I wonder if you might be able to help
me identify this beautiful purple Gorgonia I purchased over the weekend. Sorry,
I know the picture quality isn't fantastic, but I was forced to take this pic on
my phone.
As you can see it's a vibrant purple when the polyps are extended. when closed
its quite a striking maroon colour.
<Yes>
At the moment its placed up front where it can be fully appreciated, but am not
sure if it would prefer more subdued lighting.
<I do think you're right>
I know that non photosynthetic gorg's are notoriously difficult, well almost
impossible to keep alive, but really want to "save" this little guy ( actually
about 30cm high and 20cm across). Of course I'm sure a rock face in open,
nutrient rich water would be its preferred home, but as long as its already been
removed - I wanted to give it my best shot!
<Okay>
This tank has been up for 3 years now, and is doing swimmingly (Ummm, no pun
intended!) and the only filtration I run is an over head wet/dry trickle filter.
I don't skim - never have - and have found it to be a most effective system. I
believe this will aid in the feeding of non Photosynthetic organisms.
<Agreed>
Tank is 285L, Spec. Grav is at 1.024, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 20ppm, pH
8.0 I don't test for calcium or phosphates, or anything else for that matter.
but do weekly water changes of 20 litres, with a light gravel vac around the
front of the tank only. I add iodide, calcium, strontium, and a reef buffer when
I do my water changes. I find the best tester is the life in the tank! If it
looks happy, then it probably is, I've based my reef care on this philosophy
since day dot, and it seems to work!
Anyhoo, I hope this hasn't been to much of a bother, but I just couldn't find
this species online, and really want to do as much as possible to keep it happy
and healthy.
Thanks a million.
Andrew
<I think this is likely an Ellisella species... a "Sea Whip" or Whip Coral. Bob
Fenner> <RMF lost the
graphic...>
Blueberry
Gorgonian ID 1/16/08
Hi Bob,
<Hello Peggy>
Would you happen to know the species name of the Blueberry Gorgonian
(pic attached)?
<Mmm, is an Acalycigorgia sp....>
The vendor from whom I got it normally names all species shipped, but I
trust they couldn't locate more specific info on it either. I've had one
only once before and made the mistake of putting it in a large reef
display with many Tangs, who quickly began nipping off the polyps. It
seems to be rather a hardy one but I'm not inclined to propagate it,
etc., without more info. I fear cutting the rind might be fatal. Any
insight you can provide to this fabulous gorg would truly be
appreciated.
Peggy
www.all-reef.com
<Please see the genus name on the Net... best here:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1926&articleid=2768
Cheers, Bob Fenner> |
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ID help on a
gorgonian please …Not sure 11/11/07
Dear Experts
<Mmm, don’t think I'd go quite that far, how about, learners, wanting to
learn more?>
I have just obtained a sea fan from a well-known UK frag outfit, and it
was described as a 'purple sea fan'.
<WOW! Purple you say! This outfitter needs to get some women, or men
with out X's that are altered for colorblindness in their packaging
department! Good grief!>
It's in my QT, and the polyps are coming out nicely (been with me two
days now). It's near the surface,
perhaps 6 inches from a single 36W PC with reflector, so it doesn't seem
to mind light.
<Does not look like a photosynthetic species to me.>
There's a 60GPH powerhead in about 3 gal of water, bouncing off a
corner, so a fair current flowing over the creature.
I chose this variety as having zooxanthellae, and hence not too hard to
keep...
<Well it is doubtful that is what you received here my friend.>
It's beautiful, but not really purple.
<Heehee! Guess you're not color blind either!>
(Photo attached - from top to bottom is 3.5 inches). Stems are light
orange, with deep red polyps. On searching the web, I suspect it's
Swiftia exserta.
<Possibly, though it does look a little different. These images seem
closer but fail to give the Latin name (Or accurate info for that
matter... )
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/2773/product.web
http://www.aquacon.com/seafan.html >
The picture in 'The Reef Aquarium' (vol 2), however, shows each calyx
are being raised when the polyps are withdrawn, and my stems are quite
smooth - just a red spot remains.
<Yes, I noticed that as well.>
Question one - have I got the ID right - I'm (clearly) no coral expert
<Mmm, I'm thinking no. But unfortunately I don't have a better
suggestion.>
Question two - if I'm right, what does it need to be fed?
<I strongly suspect that this gorgonian will need some sort of
supplemental feeding to survive and highly doubt that it is
photosynthetic.>
Given the polyps are between 2-3mm across, I guess something rather
small.
<Likely so.>
(We have brine shrimp and Nanochloropsis algae available - do I need to
wake
up some Brachionus rotifer eggs that I've got?)
<Really not sure, may be a matter of trial and error.>
I didn't intend getting a sea fan that needs feeding,
<You are wise.>
but it's lovely,
<Yes, but that doesn't mean it's appropriate for captive care.>
and I don't want it to die.
<I wish it wasn't removed from the sea.>
My main tank has too much algae (50 US gal plus 10 sump), two clownfish,
a Royal Gramma, clove polyps, 4*36W PC in
reflectors, and decent water quality (no NH3, no NO2, <0.5ppm NO3, <5ppm
PO4,pH cycles 8.2-8.4, dKH 10, Ca 520ppm, Kalk pumped to hold pH).
On the good side, all sorts of 'stuff' from the live rock is breeding
(Stomatella snail, Collonista snails, Syconoid sponge, Homotrema forams,
Spirorbis worms, rotifers, ...) so I hope there may be something that
suits the sea fan.
<I hope you are right, but I am doubtful.>
(I will feed it if needed, but it's much safer if there are things
growing that are suitable)
<Perhaps there are, I hope there are, but unfortunately I doubt there
are.>
Thanks for a great site
<On behalf of Bob and the crew you are welcome! Mich>
--David |
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Gorgonian ID
and Care Question 8/24/07
Hi crew-
<Hi Jim, Mich helping out tonight.>
I have a lovely gorgonian that I have been unable to positively
identify.
<Is a beauty for sure! I have not been able to find anything that I am
convinced of as far as an ID goes. When I initially looked at the pic I
thought it was a Yellow gorgonian (Diodogorgia nodulifera), but no. I
don't think it is. Closest I've seen and I don't really think that's it
either is an Acalycigorgia sp, but this is really a guess at best.
You can read a little more here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seafans.htm >
This makes it somewhat hard to know how to provide optimal care.
<I absolutely understand, but even with a positive ID it is often
difficult to provide appropriate care, as the natural diets of many of
these creatures are poorly understood. I'm thinking your pretty one is
non-photosynthetic and will require supplemental feedings, unfortunately
the nutritional requirements vary and are again are not well understood.
Because of this, non-photosynthetic gorgonians seldom do well for long
in captivity. You may try supplementing with planktonic animals such as
Artemia nauplii, or other very fine particulate foods, but this lovely
creature may require something completely different.>
I have attached a pic - any idea what it is and how to best care for it?
<I'm sad to say, I'm not able to give you much guidance here. Perhaps
RMF will chime in.>
<<Mmm, where did you get this? Did your supplier state which sea it
hailed from? Might be of either stated genus... not easily kept... RMF>>
many thanks-
<Sorry I'm not of more help. Mich>
Jim Gray
Re: gorgonian ID and care
question 7/25/07
Hi Mich-
<Hi Jim>
Thanks for the response.
<Welcome.>
If anyone else in your group can help with an ID and care suggestions, that
would be great.
<Mmm, Bob commented on the dailies page, I've copied his reply below. He has by
far the most experience of anyone here...
<<Mmm, where did you get this? Did your supplier state which sea it hailed from?
Might be of either stated genus... not easily kept... RMF>>
I have it in strong flow and light currently. Should I reduce the amount of
light it gets?
<As long as you don't get algae growth and have polyp expansion I think I would
keep it where it's at on the off chance it is photosynthetic, which I highly
doubt.>
Might these prefer low light?
<I suspect it came from lower light conditions.>
Any other suggestions on food?
<Try anything, finely, finely minced.>
thanks...
<Welcome, sorry I can’t help you out more.>
Jim |
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Follow up on
Sponge/Anemone ID 8/15/07
> > Subject: Sponge/Anemone ID, and Mantis comp. > Hi guys, just a
quick thank you for the much appreciated information on your site.> I
was told at my LFS that this is a colonial anemone on a sponge, an
"orange spider sponge"; is this correct?> <Mmm, maybe... are the greyish
parts ever "polyp-like"? This may be a sponge growing on another > if so
what is the taxonomy.> <Any idea where this/these organism/s are from?>>
Also, are mantis shrimp detrimental to a reef setup?> <Can definitely
be... are predaceous... some can get quite large, consume shellfish,
other crustaceans, even fishes>> I have had no luck removing this
specimen, I got a snowflake eel, not solely for the purpose but thinking
he might dine on it, but alas he hasn't. I'm starting to admire his
resilience. Thank you for your assistance. Cameron Teague> <See WWM re
traps, baiting... strategies. Bob Fenner>> Hi, I have been told that
they have "flowers", I'm guessing polyps, that emerge after time. I have
only had it in my system for about a week. I'm guessing it's just
getting used to my system. The supply from my LFS comes from Cairns,
then gets shipped over night to Hobart, Tasmania where I live.> <Mmm,
well... the polyps should have been in evidence by now... I do suspect
that this is a sponge on a sponge more and more. BobF>
Well it's been about two weeks and polyps are staring to appear. What
does this mean? Apart from it's alive. Does that mean it's not a sponge?
<You know... with this nice close-up pic... I do think this is an
encrusting Gorgonian (an octocoral... Sea Fan), not an Anemone
(Hexacorallian) at all. See the Net re... Oh, is NOT a sponge. BobF> |
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Is This a Briareum Species Of Gorgonian?
Yep – 05/03/07
Hello!
<<Hi>>
Well I wrote yesterday and asked about the lighting requirements for my
newly acquired gorgonian.
<<Yes, I recall>>
I learned that photosynthetic gorgonians can be very toxic, so I wanted
to try to establish a positive ID on this one.
<<Mmm, not just the photosynthetic species...gorgonians as a whole are
quite noxious>>
I suspected it to be of Briareum species. Most importantly, whatever
this may be, is this particular species toxic?
<<In the sense that it can exude chemicals to limit growth/vitality of
the corals/organisms around it...yes...but so too can those Hairy
Mushrooms and Protopalythoa you said you have in this tank>>
I hear that Briareum also encompasses Star Polyps.
<<Indeed...a few species about (e.g. - Briareum violacea, Briareum
stechei)>>
It’s been 5 days now and all my other colonies are in perfect health,
including my Favites brain that is like 3-4 inches away from it. Am I
to assume this means that it’s a non-toxic species?
<<Nope...the effects of allelopathy (the chemical warfare waged by most
all corals/sponges/etc.) are not always immediately apparent. I suggest
you do a keyword search of our site re ‘allelopathy’ and read up>>
Or just that toxins haven't risen to a high enough level yet?
<<There may or may not be any problems that arise from the presence of
the gorgonian depending on your tank husbandry/maintenance
processes...but the effects of allelopathy can/will be mitigated through
the use of chemical filtration (carbon and/or Poly-Filter)>>
No carbon being run currently.
<<Would help/is of benefit to any system in my opinion>>
The picture I have attached is a close-up, it has a branching
configuration but another one at the store looked more like an
encrusting pile.
<<The polyps do look “Briareum like”...have a look here about midway
down the page and see what you think:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seafans.htm >>
Hope it’s good enough to establish an ID from. (forgive the polyps, they
are still adapting to the tank conditions).
Best Regards,
Mark Forsling
<<Be chatting, EricR>> |
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Re: Is This a Briareum Species Of Gorgonian? – 05/03/07
Thanks for your reply.
<<Welcome>>
I checked out the page and it definitely seems to be a Briareum species.
<<Yes...Bob thinks so too>>
I’ve been really just relying on skimmer (Read Sea Prizm), water changes
and live rock for filtration in the past.
<<Nothing “wrong” with this>>
There is however a lot of differencing opinions among aquarist on how
often and how long to use carbon.
<<Agreed>>
What would be your recommendation on for how long a duration and how
frequently to use carbon given the setup and coral population?
<<I would use a small amount of carbon (a cup or two) continuously
(24/7)...changed out once or twice a month. EricR>>
Regards, Mark
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Sea fan approximation 02/12/06
WWM Crew,
<<Arnold>>
I am requesting your assistance in identifying a particular type of coral I have
acquired. It is yellow in color, resembles a dead tree in shape, and has white
polyps protruding out from the entirety of the structure. Any help you could
provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Arnold
<<No way to say without a sharp close-up photo. But I'm going to venture a
guess here and say you have a non-photosynthetic gorgonian...will likely starve
to death within months. You really should research your livestock BEFORE you
acquire it my friend. Regards, EricR >>
Gorgonian ID and care 12/22/05
I recently purchased a similar gorgonian. I cant seem to find any info on
it.
<It is always better to research an animals needs before purchase! It is
impossible to ID the gorgonian in the picture you sent, and even more impossible
to know if yours is the same. Gorgonian care is highly variable, except that
almost all require strong current. Brightly colored specimens are generally
non-photosynthetic and require large amounts of often highly specialized
food. Most of these are doomed to waste away and die. Generally gray and brown
specimens (and some purple ones) are photosynthetic and so require bright
light. These specimens still appreciate food, but are less dependent on it. If
you are confident that your specimen is NOT photosynthetic, I would try to
return it to the dealer. If they will not accept it back, you can attempt to
provide it with adequate food (baby brine shrimp, Cyclops-eeze, oyster eggs are
all reasonable to try). If you think it is photosynthetic, then bright light
and strong current should do the trick. All gorgonians will also benefit from
the presence of plankton generating refugia. Best Regards. AdamC.>
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Identification gorgonian 1/10/04
Hello to you WWM Crew :) At first I want to say sorry for my English; it's
not my native language :).
<Hello Petra! No apologies necessary, your English is
outstanding!>
Pease can you help me to identify my gorgonian? I've looked all around the
internet but I can't seem to find what species it is. It has a bumpy
white base, grows treelike and has small light orange polyps which come
out at night.
<Hmm... Looks like Swiftia sp., but Swiftia is generally all
bright red/orange. Perhaps this is an odd morph or
bleached.>
(I hope they will come out in the light at sometime :))
<They may. "teasing" it with food additions during
the day may help in this regard.>
I am feeding it with phytoplankton 3 times a week. At some of the tips the
black skeleton is visible :(. Should I remove these parts or will the
living tissue come back?
<Since you are feeding phytoplankton, I guess you know that this
gorgonian is not photosynthetic. The problem is, phytoplankton
may be an appropriate food, but it may not be. These animals
are very specific in the size and type of prey they will accept, and
meeting those requirements is very hard to do. You may want to
try some other food sources (rotifers, baby brine shrimp, etc.), but
unfortunately I suspect that it will continue to recede until it dies. You
can remove the exposed skeleton with a sharp scissors, and it may get
re-covered by tissue, but probably not.>
Well I hope I haven't asked to much questions at once, but your website
has been very helpful so far.
<Please ask all the questions you want, that is why we are here! Best
regards! Adam>
Hoping to hear from you soon, greetings, Petra |
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Gorgonian ID Key, Stocking Query
Dear crew!
We are dealing with the animal husbandry and we've a lot of problems.
Recently we purchased two unidentified gorgon Arians . The first one forms a
bushy
red colony with white polyps & thorn-like cups,25 cm tall. The second
one is a tree-like brown colony with blue
polyps 15 cm. tall. We assume that they are Muriceopsis flavida &
Eunicea succinea, but we are far from to be sure. Could you send an
identification key?
<Mmm, no. Don't have. There are some in-print reference works (e.g. Alderslade
et al.), but no such on-line source as far as I'm aware>
Both they were in the quarantine about 2 month. Now they
are melting, Their polyps are closed, & in the second
species the tips of branches are shrinking. May this be a melting
consequence?
<Yes... I proscribe the keeping of just a few species for the trade, for sale...
these are described, listed on WetWebMedia.com>
Could you also inform us about the hydrochemistry, in
particular, Ca, Sr, Mg and the with the other Cnidaria.
<Posted on WWM>
P. s. What do your think about the following livestock: 1 Euphyllia glabrescens
(diameter (d)=10 cm), 1 Sinularia sp. (25 cm
tall), 3 specimens of Alcyonium sp.(50 cm tall), 1 Galaxea sp. (d=5 cm.),
1 sphaeric colony of Goniopora (d=15 cm),
<Am not a fan of the aquarium use of this genus>
1 colony of Cladiella sp. (25
cm. tall), 4 specimens of Sarcophyton sp.(2x20, 15 & 10 cm),2
specimens of Lobophyton sp. (25 & 20 cm tall)& 2 colonies of
the gorgon Arians mentioned in 250 gal aquarium (assuming that all the other
factors are normal one)?
<Could, can be done, given space between all. Bob Fenner>
Best regards,
Interzoo.
Coral ID.
Hi all, just have a quick ID question. The LFS sold this rock to me as
"live rock" (sorry about the picture quality).
<Not too bad, good enough.>
I know it's not that, but I'm having a hard time pinning it down. It has
pink, leathery skin and tan polyps that are about 3/8 inch high with 8
"fingers". The polyps retract at night and the skin becomes
shiny. It is spreading to the other rock that it comes into contact with.
<Yes, very prolific.>
It's probably common but I haven't had any luck on the ID. Thanks for any
help you can provide. ~Danny B. in Blanco, Texas
<Well Danny, what you have there is likely Erythropodium, possibly
Briareum, but my bet is on the former. It is a very fast spreader and
rather noxious. -Steven Pro> |
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Help with coral ID
Hola Robert :)
<Hola, Edgar... Anthony Calfo in your service.. a fellow reefer, and reef
author>
Edgar From Mexico again :)
hope the troubles with the page can be solved soon, I was really scared
of thinking the page was gone.
Now to business. I wonder if you could help me to identify a soft coral
I have. Is an octocoral and I think is Clavularia sp, but some of my
friends say might be anthelia or even Xenia (which, if its true, will
make me happy :) )
the polyps are small (1 inch height), the arms (pinnules? are
"branched".
its color is light brown. and they close at night and retract the arms,
leaving only a "bump".
I have to pictures which I could send you if you like.
thanks edg
<please do send a pic, I suspect that it can be ID'ed quickly with a
reasonably good photo. With kind regards, Anthony> |
Re:
Help with coral ID
Anthony,
Here are two pictures of how much the polyps have grown in 6 mo.
picture 001 the lower mass is the newest, the piece up (center) is the
original. it grows onto the rear tank glass (picture 002) some where around
10"+ in diameter. This is where I cut from and glued it onto other rocks. Can
you tell what kind it is? As soon as I get a good tank picture I'll send it.
Anthony,
<Absolutely... nice picture too, thank you. It is
Erythropodium...AKA "encrusting Gorgonian". a hardy
and fast growing animal that is similar to Briareum
from the Pacific but is distinguished by its smooth mat
of fused stolons and usual brown/gray color (Briareum
stolons are purple, calyces are raised). A little
caution here as Erythropodium actively seeks some
other corals to encrust upon and kill. But indeed fast
growing and fun>
<Looking forward to it! Kindly, Anthony> |
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Gorgonian Identification
Hi, <Hi Kevin, MacL here with you today.> You seem to know a lot
about gorgonians, so I was wondering what type this is, it came on a
purple gorgonian that I bought. <Without the polyps being extended its
very hard to tell Kevin. Can you get an additional picture with them
out?> How much do you thing this little frag would go for? <That's a
tough question because price fluctuates depending on the area.>
thank you,
Kevin
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Gorgonians
me again - just bought a gorgeous blue green Gorgonian octocorallian from
work yesterday, I put it in the direct path of a powerhead, so it has
plenty of circulation and movement, but there seems to be a lighting
dispute - one of my co workers recommended low light conditions (which I
thought to be ridiculous, because I know they contain zooxanthellae) but I
read your article and I agree with you. What exactly are their light
conditions? thanks Again, Chris
>>
Hmmm, really depends on the question of whether the species in question is photosynthetic or not (yep, some have endosymbiotic algae, other's don't). I suspect that you have one of the two more popular Pseudopterygorgia (from the tropical west Atlantic), that
photosynthates... requiring moderate to bright lighting, brisk circulation... which most all forms/species will tolerate...but do confirm the species
Bob Fenner
Gorgonian Care, 9/19/03
In my local pet store they had what was labeled as a Gorgonian Ribbon. What
is this and what is the care involved?
Caryn
<lets see if we can find its genus first... I wonder/suspect you may be
looking at a Pterogorgia species (a sea whip...sometimes called
"ribbons"). Use that genus to do a search of the web for pictures to
see if it looks like a similar creature. If so, they are fairly hardy if given
very strong water movement and medium to bright light. Fluorescent lamps will be
tolerable if the aquarium is shallow (24" or less) with the gorgonian in
the top half of the tank. Best regards, Anthony>
Coral ID and mature reef display...Kudos!
Greetings! Could you tell me what the large coral on the left of this
picture is?
<it is an Atlantic Gorgonian Octocoral.. perhaps Muricea or Eunicea. One of
the hardiest species. A delight to see>
This is my 10-year old 45 gal tank. The Scopas tang at the bottom
will be 11 next month (that's how long I've had him, anyway.)
<outstanding my friend! Kudos to you. Very inspiring for the rest of us>
Thanks, Tom
<best regards, Anthony> |
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