Fuzzy Gorgonian

Plexaurella sp

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Plexaurella Family: Plexauridae

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Water parameters

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About Fuzzy Gorgonian

General information

In general, gorgonians coming from the genus Plexaurella has a distinct feature that is characterized by their pores having individual slits. At a glance they look like any other gorgonian species, however taking a closer look at their skeletal structure gives you an identifying mark through its 4-rayed butterfly spicules in the cortex.

As for the Fuzzy Gorgonian, they are predominantly colored violet. This are the water parameters for cultivating Fuzzy Gorgonian:

  • Calcium: 420 – 440 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.259 MEQ/L (8 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: > 0.10 mg/L
  • Magnesium: 1260 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

The Fuzzy Gorgonian is not a photosynthetic species. They get their nourishment by snatching small foods present in the water like plankton. Supplemental feeding is highly advised where you can give them brine shrimp and mysis.

Determining sex

The Fuzzy Gorgonian should be placed at the bottom portion of the tank. You may need a gel glue or putty to fasten them on an exposed rock.

Breeding & spawning

The Fuzzy Gorgonian only requires minimal lighting but a strong flow of water. This is the reason why they should be placed at the bottom of the tank.

Origination

The Fuzzy Gorgonian are a subtropical species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the USA and Canada.

Cautions

While the Fuzzy Gorgonian is not aggressive, you still need to give ample space between other species corals. What you should be cautious is during the handling process since the branches are highly brittle and can easily break off.

Acclimation process

Fuzzy Gorgonian are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

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