Gorgonian Sea Fan

Care Summary

The Purple Plume Gorgonian is a non-photosynthetic sea fan that grows in elegant, branching purple fronds and is a standout specimen for hobbyists who want a dramatic vertical structure in their reef without running high-intensity lighting. Mount it on rock in an area with steady, indirect flow so its polyps can extend fully, and keep water quality very clean since non-photosynthetic gorgonians are intolerant of dissolved organics. This species lives or dies by its feeding schedule: without consistent targeted feedings of fine zooplankton and marine snow, it will slowly recede and develop tissue necrosis from the base up. Feed it three to five times per week with a mix of phytoplankton, oyster eggs, and small-particle zooplankton, and remove any dead or receding branches promptly to prevent spread.