The Different Types of Gorgonians That Dwell in a Marine Ecosystem

With over 500 species, Gorgonians are one of the most diversified species of animals in the sea.

Gorgonians, also known as sea fans or sea whips, can thrive in many marine environments and serve as homes for other marine life.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of Gorgonians that exist in marine environments.

Types of Gorgonians

There are several different genus of Gorgonians that exist in the marine environment. All of them have unique characteristics.

Gorgonia

Gorgonia is a genus of sea fans that is composed of three different species: G. flabellum, G. ventalina, and G. mariae.

These Gorgonians are plentiful in the wild but not very popular in captivity. This is due to restrictions that have been placed on capturing these species.

Plexaura

There are two common Caribbean species within this genus: P. flexuosa and P. homomalla. There are a few more uncommon species within the genus as well.

P. homomalla has become distinctively noticed in the scientific community for its ability to produce prostaglandins. This mammalian steroid is believed to be used for defense, and Gorgonians may use it to prevent attack by a predator.

Eunicea

Gorgonians from this genus are most commonly found among dark black reefs, so their purple color is easily spotted. They congregate in areas with strong currents such as surge zones.

They can suffer from having too little oxygen if they are shipped away from these zones, but they can be grown in an aquarium successfully.

Plexaurella

All of these Gorgonians are yellow or pale brown in color. These species usually join together to make bigger branches that are club-tipped. This branching tends to come out looking similar to the branching of a cactus.

Pseudoplexaura

This genus is similar to that of Plexaurella, but it is distinguished by having purple sclerites and round pores. All of those in the Pseudoplexaura genus are slimy and fast-growing.

Muricea

This genus holds both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic species. These are similar to those in the genus Eunicea because they too enjoy strong currents and do not ship well because of this.

Management of this genus can be difficult and is not recommended for a novice.

Muriceopsis

Two well-known species from this genus are found in the Caribbean: M. flavida and M. sulfurea. Members of this genus are known for their ability to develop sweeping tentacles.

Briareum

Those of this genus will appear differently based on where they’re found. In Indonesia, they’re known for a beautiful green pigment. However, they are not green in the Caribbean.

Erythropodium caribaeorum

This is one of the easiest genus of Gorgonians to take care of. It grows well in the bottom of aquariums with rocks and stones.

They are well-known for the motion that they add to an aquarium.

Getting Your Own Gorgonians

You can now decide which of these Gorgonians is best for you based on your skill level and preference. With so many genus and species to choose from, there’s bound to be a Gorgonian that fits you and your aquarium perfectly.

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