Giant Caribbean Slit Pore Gorgonian
Plexaurella nutans
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Water parameters
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile 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 NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt 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 SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Giant Caribbean Slit Pore 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 Giant Caribbean Slit Pore Gorgonian, they are predominantly colored light brown with white tentacles. This are the water parameters for cultivating Giant Caribbean Slit Pore 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 Giant Caribbean Slit Pore 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 Giant Caribbean Slit Pore Gorgonianshould 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 Giant Caribbean Slit Pore 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 Giant Caribbean Slit Pore Gorgonian are a subtropical species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the USA and Canada.
Cautions
While the Giant Caribbean Slit Pore 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
Giant Caribbean Slit Pore Gorgonian are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
All photos
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