Genus

Common name: Sea Fan

Scientific name: Muricea

Muricea is a genus of gorgonians in the family Plexauridae, commonly known as sea fans. These cnidarians are characterized by their branching, fan-like structures and are found in a variety of colors, often purples and yellows. They are filter feeders, capturing plankton and organic matter from the water column. Muricea species are popular in the reefkeeping hobby for their ornamental value and moderate care requirements. They thrive in moderate water flow and lighting conditions, and their presence can add both aesthetic and biological diversity to a reef aquarium.

  1. California golden gorgonian polyps, Muricea californica, Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California, USA
    Common name: California Sea Fan
    Scientific name: Muricea californica
  2. Common name: Violet Sea Rod
    Scientific name: Muricea fruticosa
  3. Common name: delicate spiny sea rod
    Scientific name: Muricea laxa
  4. Sea fans, and Painted spiny lobsters under the rock
    Common name: spiny sea fan
    Scientific name: Muricea muricata