Gorg ID F2

FAQs about Sea Fan Identification 2

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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>

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. 4/30/08Hello 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 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 <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>

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? 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. 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 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 --David

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? Any other suggestions on food? <Try anything, finely, finely minced.> thanks...
<Welcome, sorry Jim

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 grayish 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>

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? <> Regards, Mark

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 >>

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