Gorgonia flabellum info

[Dark]

have a Gorgonia flabellum, about 5 inch wide, and doing very well fo a month now.

Any had fragged it already? Any special comments?
I personaly found it easy to keep, but i didn't foud so much documentation for this species. I've heard that is a surely long term failure...

Thanks for sharing,

Dark

 

[Shoreliner11]

I agree that theres not alot of info on it but I haven't heard its doomed in the long term. Its photosynthetic, so given ample light, decent flow and occasional feedings (IMO a couple if not more times per week) it should do fine. But if you have a link to where you heard of its long term failure, please post it .
Aaron

 

[delphinus]

I find there is a lack of abundant information on Gorgonians in general as well, I wish there was more info, but I guess because they are mostly a Carribean coral and there is very little collection that there is less info overall.

This article describes several species of Gorgonians found in Carribean waters, and the author mentions that all the species listed in the article possess zooxanthellae (meaning they have photosynthetic capabilities). The species you have, Gorgonia flabellum is listed and he says "it is very common in nature, fast growing, and easy to keep in the high light high flow aquarium systems employed for keeping sps corals."

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/invert.htm

Generally the non-photosynthetic species of gorgonian, the filter feeders, are the ones less assured of long-term success. However photosynthetic gorgonians seem to be very hardy and just as interesting and nice as their non-photosynthetic counterparts.

 

[delphinus]

How's this coral doing now? Please post a newer picture if possible, would like to see more!

 

[aphenes]

There is some excellent info in this months "Coral" magazine on Gorgonia sp..
I believe D. Brockmann has one that he has kept for 10 years in captivity now.
Laminar flow appears to be an important issue for correct growth pattern.
Nutrition seems to be maintained by zooxanthellae, as in Eunicea, and Muricea sp. gorgonians from the Carribean as well.
Good Luck!
PS- How/ where did you find your specimen?