Sea Fans

Sea fans, also known as gorgonians, are a captivating addition to any reef aquarium. These intricate and often vividly colored corals belong to the order Alcyonacea and are characterized by their tree-like structures with numerous branches. Unlike many other corals, sea fans do not possess a hard, stony skeleton. Instead, they have a flexible, protein-based structure called gorgonin, which allows them to sway gracefully with the water currents, creating a mesmerizing display in the aquarium.

Sea fans are filter feeders, relying on strong water flow to bring plankton and other microscopic food particles to their polyps. This means that maintaining adequate water movement is crucial for their health. They thrive in environments with moderate to high water flow and require regular feeding with specialized coral foods or phytoplankton supplements.

One of the most attractive features of sea fans is their wide range of colors, from vibrant purples and reds to more subdued yellows and oranges. This diversity makes them a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a splash of color and texture to their tanks. However, their care requirements can be more demanding compared to other corals. They are sensitive to water quality and require stable parameters.

In terms of placement, sea fans should be positioned in areas of the tank where they can receive optimal water flow without being overshadowed by other corals or rock structures. They can coexist with a variety of other reef inhabitants, but it's important to ensure that they are not placed too close to aggressive corals that may sting them.

Overall, sea fans are a beautiful and rewarding addition to a reef aquarium for experienced hobbyists who can meet their specific care needs. Their unique appearance and dynamic movement make them a standout feature in any marine setup.

1. 
   Common name: Haeckel's Anemone

   Scientific name: Actinostephanus haeckeli
2. Common name: slimy sea plume

   Scientific name: Antillogorgia americana
3. 
   Common name: forked sea feather

   Scientific name: Antillogorgia bipinnata
4. Common name: Sea Plume

   Scientific name: Antillogorgia elisabethae
5. Common name: Galapagos black coral

   Scientific name: Antipathes galapagensis
6. 
   Common name: whip Coral

   Scientific name: Cirrhipathes anguina
7. 
   Common name: Feather Star Coral

   Scientific name: Coelogorgia palmosa
8. 
   Common name: Feather Star

   Scientific name: Comaster nobilis
9. 
   Common name: colorful sea rod

   Scientific name: Diodogorgia nodulifera
10. 
    Common name: Violet Lace Coral

    Scientific name: Distichopora violacea
11. 
    Common name: Bent Sea Rod

    Scientific name: Eunicea flexuosa
12. 
    Common name: venus sea fan

    Scientific name: Gorgonia flabellum
13. 
    Common name: Purple Sea Rod

    Scientific name: Gorgonia mariae
14. 
    Common name: purple sea fan

    Scientific name: Gorgonia ventalina
15. Common name: Isarachnanthus night anemone

    Scientific name: Isarachnanthus maderensis
16. 
    Common name: Branching Pipe Coral

    Scientific name: Isis hippuris
17. 
    Common name: Delicate Sea Whip

    Scientific name: Junceella fragilis
18. Common name: carmine sea spray

    Scientific name: Leptogorgia miniata
19. 
    Common name: Red Sea Fan

    Scientific name: Melithaea splendens
20. 
    Common name: California Sea Fan

    Scientific name: Muricea californica
21. Common name: Violet Sea Rod

    Scientific name: Muricea fruticosa
22. Common name: delicate spiny sea rod

    Scientific name: Muricea laxa
23. 
    Common name: spiny sea fan

    Scientific name: Muricea muricata
24. 
    Common name: Gorgonian Sea Fan

    Scientific name: Muricella plectana
25. 
    Common name: double-forked plexaurella

    Scientific name: Plexaurella dichotoma
26. 
    Common name: angular sea whip

    Scientific name: Pterogorgia anceps
27. 
    Common name: yellow sea whip

    Scientific name: Pterogorgia citrina
28. 
    Common name: Pillar Coral

    Scientific name: Stelligera rigida
29. 
    Common name: Feather star

    Scientific name: Stephanometra tenuipinna
30. 
    Common name: Giant Carpet Anemone

    Scientific name: Strepsichordaia lendenfeldi
31. 
    Common name: Rose Lace Coral

    Scientific name: Stylaster roseus
32. 
    Common name: red polyp octocoral

    Scientific name: Swiftia exserta
33. Common name: Waving Hand Coral

    Scientific name: Thesea nutans