Sea Rod/Red Tree Gorgonian

The Red Tree Gorgonian is also referred to as Red Finger Sea Fan, or Colorful Sea Rod. An attractive branching tree-like coral, it is extremely brittle and breaks easily, making it easy to propagate in this way. It basically is available in two color variations being bright orange-yellow with red and white polyps, or deep red to purple with white polyps. This sea fan will usually grow in small and sparsely branched colonies.

Diodogorgonia sp.

Quick Stats: Sea Rod/Red Tree Gorgonian

Family: Anthothelidae
Range: Atlantic, Caribbean
Color Form: Orange, Red
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Calcium, Strontium, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Strong
Light: Low
Dominance: Peaceful
Placement: Low
Care Level: Difficult




The Red 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 difficult to maintain even in the well-established reef system. It is not photosynthetic and requires a low level of lighting to ward off a build-up of microalgae. It also requires a stronger water flow and the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

Since it is not photsynthetic, its survival is dependent on regular and frequent feedings of micro-plankton, live, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.