New gorgonians

[sl-atl]

I collected a few new gorgonians in the Florida keys last week. Thought I'd share some pics since I haven't seen these in the LFS's or online before.

Well, except this purple sea plume, Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata (left)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BOnbX28m5R4/SpmMYEq_azI/AAAAAAAAAVs/ybjXGLDmkDk/s320/090829+collecting+-+10.jpg

This encrusting gorgonian (Briareum caribaeorum) is probably my favorite- the polyps are huge! I would have collected a larger colony if I'd known how it would look under the metal halide...
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BOnbX28m5R4/SpmETCAszEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/B8uxV8n6eE8/s320/090829+collecting-+05.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BOnbX28m5R4/SpxwHoLj4TI/AAAAAAAAAWM/HTdQroYOrwg/s320/090831+tank+shots4.jpg

Purple corky sea finger, Briareum asbestinum. The polyps are actually that white. Both of the Briareums extend their polyps day and night.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BOnbX28m5R4/SpxwQHC-s8I/AAAAAAAAAWc/syFEq13BhPI/s320/090831+tank+shots6.jpg

Purple sea blade, Pterogorgia something or other.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BOnbX28m5R4/SpxwAyJM39I/AAAAAAAAAWE/EuEIa6neDbI/s320/090831+tank+shots3.jpg

If anybody notices an ID I got wrong- let me know!

[Kbreef]

Hi I believe this coral is a Purple Sea Rod. Do you know if it is photosynthetic. What do you feed your gorgonians ?

Thanks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30638829@N07/3871691026/

[sl-atl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15633351#post15633351 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kbreef
Hi I believe this coral is a Purple Sea Rod. Do you know if it is photosynthetic. What do you feed your gorgonians ?



That's a nice specimen. It looks like one of a couple Pacific species, but I haven't seen one with those colors. You could try posting the picture to the nonphotosynthetic forum to see if anyone recognizes it there.

All of the gorgonians I'm keeping are photosynthetic. I feed them a combination of about 50% coral food (currently reef chili) and 50% freeze dried phytoplankton. They generally seem to grow very quickly when target fed.

[sunfishh]

Those are some awesome pics

[sl-atl]

Thanks. It helps to borrow a decent camera too. :)

[Tangsreef302]

very nice pics

[Drock169]

from what i can see, those are photosynthetic gorg's, we get most of those at the LFS i work at.
I've got a few of them, they are becoming one of my favourites as my idol doesnt pick at them.