{"product_id":"giant-polyp-gorgonia-plexaurella-sp","title":"Giant Polyp Gorgonia Plexaurella Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eGiant Polyp Gorgonia (Plexaurella sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Giant Polyp Sea Fan or Rough Sea Rod Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Giant Polyp Gorgonia (\u003cem\u003ePlexaurella\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a striking \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic soft coral\u003c\/strong\u003e known for its \u003cstrong\u003ethick, upright branches\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003elarge, extended polyps\u003c\/strong\u003e that give it a textured, bushy appearance. Colours range from \u003cstrong\u003etan and golden-brown to purple or reddish-brown\u003c\/strong\u003e, often with contrasting white or cream polyps. This hardy and adaptable species adds natural structure and motion to reef aquariums, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an attractive, active display coral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eCaribbean Sea, Western Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow reef slopes and coastal lagoons\u003c\/strong\u003e exposed to moderate current and bright light. The \u003cem\u003ePlexaurella\u003c\/em\u003e genus includes several species that differ slightly in colour and branching density but share similar care requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Giant Polyp Gorgonia is primarily \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, containing \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that provide most of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. However, supplemental feeding supports growth and polyp extension:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhytoplankton or microplankton (2–3 times per week)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or coral micro foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional dosing with amino acid or trace element supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyps feed passively from the water column, so direct target feeding is not necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate to high lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong, full-spectrum light from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e systems to support photosynthesis and vibrant coloration. PAR levels of \u003cstrong\u003e150–250 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e are ideal. Too little light will cause reduced polyp extension and fading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate to strong, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Constant water movement helps keep the gorgonian clean and the polyps fully extended. Adequate flow prevents detritus buildup and encourages gas exchange, but avoid direct jets that could damage tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount the coral \u003cstrong\u003evertically or at an angle\u003c\/strong\u003e in the \u003cstrong\u003emid to upper regions\u003c\/strong\u003e of the tank where it receives light and flow from multiple directions.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow space between colonies or other corals to prevent contact or shading.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be attached securely to rockwork with coral glue or epoxy.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful and reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (gobies, blennies, tangs, clownfish, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, snails, and other invertebrates\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMost corals, provided adequate spacing\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAngelfish, butterflyfish, or large wrasses that may nip at polyps\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive or stinging corals (e.g. Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e Does not sting or overgrow other corals but may release mild allelopathic compounds in overcrowded systems. Maintain space and use activated carbon or regular water changes in mixed reefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner to intermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy and adaptable, \u003cem\u003ePlexaurella\u003c\/em\u003e gorgonians are among the easier sea fans to keep. They tolerate a range of reef conditions and respond well to strong lighting and steady flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and good circulation\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable parameters and moderate nutrient levels for steady growth and rich polyp colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Giant Polyp Gorgonia makes a spectacular centerpiece coral for mixed or soft coral reefs, providing structure, movement, and natural filtration. Its photosynthetic nature and tolerance to varied flow make it an ideal gorgonian for hobbyists seeking beauty without the feeding demands of non-photosynthetic species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57784902254936,"sku":"FSH-01085","price":107.07,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0967\/3044\/8216\/files\/Giant-Polyp-Gorgonia-Plexaurella-Sp.png?v=1784781725","url":"https:\/\/gordanshop.com\/products\/giant-polyp-gorgonia-plexaurella-sp","provider":"GorDanShop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}