Description: Gorgonians Sea fans are found primarily in shallow waters, though some have been found at depths of several thousand feet. The size, shape, and appearance of the gorgonians are highly correlated with their location. The more fan-shaped and flexible gorgonians tend to populate shallower areas with strong currents, while the taller, thinner, and stiffer gorgonians can be found in deeper, calmer waters
Anatomy Gorgonians consist of individual tiny polyps that form colonies. Most species form colonies attached to a hard surface such as a coral reef or a rock, but some species will instead attach themselves to mud or sand.
Diet & Feeding The gorgonian is a filter feeder. Each polyp is equipped with eight tentacles which are used to catch planktons and other types of organic matter that is brought to it by the currents. To make the process more efficient, the “fan†of the gorgonian will be oriented across the prevailing current. Certain species of gorgonian have a symbiotic relationships with algae to gain access to a more reliable food source. The algae will carry out photosynthesis and the gorgonian will therefore get energy as well as oxygen. Gorgonians that contain algae will require strong lighting, while gorgonians without algae need to get all their energy from what they can filter from the water. Aquarists come up with different food mixtures and you can for instance make your own mash from various sea foods such as shrimps, clams, squid etcetera, and/or give your gorgonians rotifers and brine shrimp. Many gorgonians prefer to feed when the aquarium i s dark and it can also be a good idea to turn off or at least turn down filters and skimmers to prevent the food particles from being filtered out of the water. Ideally start by serving a small portion of food to make the gorgonian open its polyps and serve a second larger portion when you known that the animal is ready to eat
Water Movement For a filter feed that can not hunt for food or remove its on waste products, a reliable current is naturally a must in the wild as well as in the aquarium. Continuous water movements are also necessary to keep the oxygen levels high enough. Try to mimic the habitat of the wild gorgonian by anchoring it where it will be exposed to a direct current
Lighting A majority of the species that are sold in the aquarium trade are shallow living gorgonians that inhabit the upper parts of coral reefs. Provide them with strong lighting, e.g. by using metal halide lights or actinic/metal halide combinations. Strong lighting is especially important for gorgonians that contain photosynthesising algae