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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Gorgoniidae (Octocorals)
Habitat: Shallow water inshore reef areas, with strong current
Light: High Water Flow: High Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: The photosynthetic forms require bright light to aid their zooxanthellate algae. All benefit from feedings of micronutrients.
Natural History: The Pterogorgia are predominantly shallow water inshore reef corals. Their branches are often triangular with polyps arranged along the ridges. They are photosynthetic despite having white polyps. Some make pharmaceutical compounds that are under investigation.
Husbandry: They can be difficult to maintain in aquaria because of algal overgrowth. They benefit from regular feeding and bright light.