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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Plexauridae (Octocorals)
Habitat: Deep water reef zones and overhangs
Light: Low Water Flow: Medium Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: These corals lack zooxanthellae and thus feed on microplankton.
Natural History: Colorful Sea Rod are nonphotosynthetic gorgonians that grow in a branched colony, often orange in color. They have bright white polyps that arise from the widely spaced branches that collect microplankton from the water. They are found in low nutrient and low light reef zones where nuisance algae cannot grow on them.
Husbandry: This coral genus is only for the advanced aquarist dedicated to their difficult requirements. If not maintained properly, they become covered in nuisance algae and are reduced to small stumps. Strong currents and frequent brushing of the coral surface helps to keep the body free of algae overgrowth. They are generally collected from deep water areas with overhangs and caves. They require frequent microplankton feedings and should be kept with other organisms such as sponges and filter-feeding molluscs that require the same.
AKA: Red Tree Gorgonian