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Purple Sea Fan
Gorgonia ventalina
Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Gorgoniidae
📍 Caribbean — Bahamas to Venezuela
The iconic purple fan-shaped gorgonian found throughout the Caribbean. Non-photosynthetic — requires regular target feeding with coral foods or phytoplankton. Grows in the plane perpendicular to current flow. A dramatic display piece.
Tank Mates
Reef-safe fish that won't damage the fan and coexist peacefully in Caribbean biotopes
Beneficial reef inhabitants that help maintain water quality without harming the gorgonian
Reef-safe scavengers that feed on detritus and won't disturb the fan coral
Small, peaceful reef fish that won't damage delicate polyps
Active but non-aggressive species compatible with stationary corals
Common Diseases
Tissue Necrosis
Darkening or death of polyp tissue, visible bare branches, progressive tissue loss
Improve water quality and flow; ensure adequate feeding; check for allelopathic neighbors; consider activated carbon to remove organic compounds
Polyp Recession
Polyps fail to extend, retracted appearance, reduced feeding response
Verify moderate, steady water flow; increase feeding frequency with quality phytoplankton; check water parameters (salinity, pH, nitrate levels)
Bacterial Infection
Slime coating on branches, foul odor, rapid tissue deterioration
Perform partial water changes; improve water circulation; consider antibiotic dips if severe; maintain pristine water quality
Starvation
Pale coloration, shrunken polyps, slow growth or decline
Establish consistent feeding schedule with phytoplankton and zooplankton; ensure adequate food particle size reaches the fan
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Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- flow
- moderate and steady
- placement
- mounted upright in current
- difficulty
- intermediate
- lightLevel
- low to medium