Blueberry Sea Fan (Acalycigorgia sp.)

Care Level

Expert Only

Temperament

Peaceful

Color Form

Blue, Orange, Red

Diet

Plankton Eater

Water Conditions

72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Family

Acanthogorgiidae

Lighting

Low

Supplements

Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Waterflow

Strong

Placement

Middle to Top

The Blueberry Sea Fan is also referred to as the Blue Gorgonia or Blue Tree coral. Blue is a very unusual coloration for any coral, and this Sea Fan will make a great showpiece or centerpiece to any reef aquarium. The red or orange base color with intense blue polyps differentiates this variety from other sea fans.

The Blueberry Sea Fan 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 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.

Because the Blueberry Sea Fan is not photosynthetic, its survival is dependent on regular and frequent feedings of micro-plankton, live, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.  This Sea Fan should only be maintained by the skilled reef aquarist in a well established reef.

Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" to 4"; Large: 4" to 8"; Maricultured: 2" to 5"