Orange Tree Gorgonian

General information

In general, sea fans coming from the genus Swiftia has a single main stem that arises from a small and narrow base. This genus of sea fan is sparsely branched and small in size that usually measures only 80 millimeter (3 inches) in height on the average. Their polyps are arranged irregularly and each polyp is supported by 8 spindle-like sclerites which is a spiny skeletal structure.
As for the Orange Tree Gorgonian, they are predominantly colored orange with red polyps. This are the water parameters for cultivating Orange Tree 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

The Orange Tree 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.

The Orange Tree 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.

The Orange Tree 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.

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

While the Orange Tree 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.

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