Purple Tree Gorgonian (Eunicea sp.)
By kueytoc
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QUICK STATS
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Purple, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Florida Keys
Family: Plexauridae
Overview
The Purple Tree Gorgonian is also known as Knobby Candelabrum, and is prevalent throughout the Caribbean. It is a thick-bodied gorgonian that takes on a fuzzy appearance when the polyps of the coral are expanded. The base of this gorgonian is purple in color and the branches grow in a vertical fashion.
The Purple Tree Gorgonian is peaceful, but it should be given adequate space away from neighboring corals or anemones. Underwater epoxy is commonly used to anchor its base to a piece of live rock in the reef aquarium. It is more challenging to maintain this species, as they require supplemental feeding several times per week. This sea fan is photosynthetic and requires a moderate amount of light depending on the amount of filter feeding food that is available.
In order to inhibit algae and cyanobacteria growth, it is important that this gorgonian is provided with a medium to strong, constant or intermittent water flow. If in the event that it does begin to become covered with algae or cyanobacteria, remove it from the coral immediately, as this will cause rapid tissue deterioration. Algae can be removed gently with the use of a soft brush; combat cyanobacteria by soaking the coral in fresh water of the same temperature for approximately 1 minute. These corals will also benefit from the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
The Purple Tree Gorgonian should be fed a few times a week with a filter feeding food. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Marine Snow, PhytoPlan and other suitable micro foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 8" to 12"
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