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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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Coral ID 4/26/09
Hi there,
hope all is going great!
<Summat... flight out of Denver has been delayed... they're "looking for a
plane" (not easy to hide I'd think)>
I had been for local collection trip on the Indian western cost (inter tidal
zone).
where i found this lovely frag...
Was wondering if you could ID this coral, looks like an Acropora of some
kind, its not very hard to touch, but quite firm as its very small (1in in
height)!
pls see the attached file, and let me know what family/ species do you think
this frag could be?
<Mmm, on close inspection this is an octocoral... I think it's likely a
juvenile Gorgonian of some sort... am away from my in-print ref. works....
Bob Fenner>
thanks a lot, keep rocking!
Sameer
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Gorgonian ID / advice
4/8/09
Hi there!
Can you please help me ID this gorgonian. The seller told me it was
photosynthetic and I tend to trust him, but then again... Polyps tend to
come out when light opens but could be a coincidence as they frequently open
and close during day and night and I only had it for a few days. I believe
it is not the so called blueberry gorgonian.
Can you ID it?
<Mmm, am hoping this is a Acalycigorgia species... If so, is
non-photosynthetic.... a filter feeder on small plankton...>
Do you believe it's normal for it to have the polyps closed for long periods
of the day and to open and then close again after some time (often only an
hour opened)?
<Many cyclicities are off-set by aquarium conditions, the animals
"adjusting" to other influences over time... e.g. the availability of foods>
There are two small wounds on the branches (you can see this on the pic) and
polyps almost always don't open there. Should I wait and see or immediately
cut below it?
<I'd be waiting, reading for now... trying various food types...
experimenting with culture of same>
Many thanks!
Dominique
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
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Identification please 6/1/08 Hey WWM Crew, Ken here.
Love your sight. Last week I bought a Clove Polyp colony and
after getting it in my tank I noticed a different specimen toward
the back of the rock. Eight 'arms' per polyp and it spreads via a
dark purple mat and at close inspection the 'arms' are fringed if
that helps. At the bottom right corner of the rock are two that look
the same but are completely white. Should I split the rock so the
bigger Clove Polyps don't overgrow them? <Yes, I would> Leave
them alone to fend for themselves. I was hoping an ID could help me
make the decision in case I had to worry about chemical warfare.
Thanks in advance, Ken <This is very likely an
encrusting/creeping Gorgonian (Sea Fan), like Briareum... can be
very invasive, competitive. I would do as you state (if you desire
to culture the Clove Polyps) and separate these colonies, keep them
to their own "patch rocks". Bob Fenner> |  |
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> | .JPG)
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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>> | 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 |  |  |
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> |  |  |
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 |  |
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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