Common name: forked sea feather

General information

The Feather Gorgonian, scientifically known as Antillogorgia bipinnata, is a species of soft coral belonging to the Gorgoniidae family. It is admired for its delicate, feather-like appearance and vibrant purple coloration, which adds a splash of color and texture to any reef aquarium. Unlike stony corals, gorgonians are flexible and sway gracefully in the water currents, providing a dynamic element to the tank's aquascape.

Care

Feather Gorgonians require moderate to strong water flow to thrive, as this mimics their natural habitat where currents deliver nutrients and remove waste. They also need moderate to high lighting to support the photosynthetic symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, living within their tissues. It's important to provide them with supplemental feeding of planktonic foods to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Symbiosis

While Antillogorgia bipinnata does not have the same level of symbiotic relationships as some other marine species, it does host a variety of small invertebrates and fish that seek refuge within its branches. These relationships are generally commensal, where the other organisms benefit from the habitat provided by the gorgonian without harming it.

Habitat

The Feather Gorgonian is found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It typically grows at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep, often on reef slopes where water movement is prevalent. This species is a beautiful addition to any reef tank that can meet its care requirements.