Green Lace Gorgonian

Pterogorgia citrina

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Gorgonian Sea Fan Family: Gorgoniidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

 pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

 NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

 NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

 PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

 NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

 Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

 KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

 Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

 SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

 ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Green Lace Gorgonian

General information

In general, sea fans that comes from the genus Pterogorgia have rigid structures that are mainly composed of a calcite compound and gorgonin which is a type of hard protein. Their blade-like branches are usually flattened with numerous tiny polyps encased in a flexible net like skeletal structure.

As for the Green Lace Gorgonian, they are predominantly colored yellow on the branch and green on the polyps. This are the water parameters in cultivating Green Lace Gorgonian:

  • Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.29 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 – 10
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

The Green Lace Gorgonian are classified as zooxanthellate. This means that they get their primary nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within their tissues. However, on top of this, we still recommend you do supplemental feeding by adding mysis and brine shrimp in the water.

Determining sex

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Green Lace Gorgonian. They should be set at the middle or bottom portion of the tank. You can use gel glue or any underwater adhesive to securely fasten their position.

Breeding & spawning

The Green Lace Gorgonian requires moderate lighting and moderate to strong waterflow.

Diseases

The Green Lace Gorgonian is prone to cyanobacteria infestation, especially if there is minimal waterflow. In case of an algal infestation, you can clean them by removing the algae with a soft brush.

Origination

The Green Lace Gorgonian can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and in the Atlantic Ocean, especially in the USA and Canada.

Cautions

Although the Green Lace Gorgonian has a peaceful behaviour, proper spacing should observed in relation to corals with an aggresive or semi-aggresive behaviour.

Acclimation process

Green Lace Gorgonian is purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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