Australian Red Fan Gorgonian - Gorgonia sp

Australian Red Fan Gorgonian (Gorgonia sp.) The Australian Red Fan Gorgonian is a striking marine gorgonian coral, prized for its vivid red branching structure, delicate fan-like growth and beautiful polyp extension when settled. It adds height, movement and natural reef texture to a mature marine aquarium. Unlike many beginner soft corals, red fan gorgonians should be treated as specialist filter-feeding corals that rely heavily on suspended foods and strong water movement rather than lighting alone. Common Name: Australian Red Fan Gorgonian. Also commonly referred to as Red Fan Gorgonian, Red Sea Fan, Red Gorgonian, Red Fan Coral or Red Branching Gorgonian. Scientific Name / Coral ID: Gorgonia sp. Trade identification only. Exact species may vary between imports. Coral Type: Gorgonian / NPS Coral / Soft Coral Growth Form: Branching / Fan / Tree-like Colour & Appearance: This coral is known for its rich red to deep crimson branches with fine polyps that may appear white, cream, pale orange or red depending on the exact import and lighting. When healthy and feeding, the branches can show strong polyp extension, giving the coral a textured, feathery appearance. Maximum Size / Growth Potential: Growth is usually slow to moderate in aquariums and depends heavily on feeding, flow, placement and long-term water quality. Over time, healthy gorgonians can develop taller branching structures, but poor feeding or low flow can quickly lead to tissue recession. Origin / Natural Habitat: This trade form is associated with Australian marine reef environments. Gorgonians naturally attach to reef structure, rubble, ledges and current-exposed areas where their branches can capture suspended plankton and fine food particles from the water column. Water Type: Marine. Water Parameters: Temperature: 24–26°C Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG pH Range: 8.1–8.4 Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH Calcium: 400–450 ppm Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm Nitrate: 2–15 ppm Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm Stability Requirements: This coral requires stable reef conditions and should not be added to new or unstable aquariums. It is especially vulnerable to poor flow, nutrient swings, algae overgrowth and starvation. Heavy feeding can increase nitrate and phosphate, so strong filtration and regular maintenance are important. Lighting Requirements: Low to Moderate Recommended PAR: 50–150 PAR as a safe starting range Lighting is not the main food source for this coral. Unless the exact specimen is confirmed as photosynthetic, it should not be placed under intense lighting and expected to survive on light alone. Lower to moderate lighting with excellent feeding and flow is the safer approach. Water Flow: Moderate to Strong Best kept in steady, indirect, turbulent flow. The flow should be strong enough to keep detritus from settling on the branches and to deliver fine suspended foods to the polyps, but not so direct that the tissue is blasted or the polyps stay closed. Placement in Aquarium: Lower to mid rockwork / shaded to semi-shaded area / high-flow zone Place securely on rockwork where it receives consistent indirect flow. Avoid placing it in dead spots, against glass where flow is poor, or anywhere detritus can settle on the branches. Do not bury the base in sand. Temperament / Aggression: Peaceful This coral is not aggressive and does not have long sweeper tentacles. Its main risk is being stung, shaded or overgrown by neighbouring corals, so allow space around it and avoid direct contact with aggressive LPS or fast-growing soft corals. Feeding Requirements: Non-photosynthetic / Requires regular feeding This coral should be offered fine suspended foods such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, reef snow-style foods, powdered coral foods, amino acids and fine filter-feeder blends. Regular broadcast or gentle target feeding is strongly recommended. For best results, feed several times per week or more frequently in systems designed to handle heavier coral feeding. Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe with Caution The coral itself is safe for reef aquariums, but it has specialist care requirements. It may be damaged by coral-nipping fish such as some angelfish, butterflyfish, filefish and puffers. The main caution is that regular feeding can raise nutrients if filtration and maintenance are not strong enough. Care Level: Experienced Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate Growth depends on consistent feeding, strong indirect flow, stable water chemistry and the coral remaining free from algae or detritus build-up. Special Requirements or Care Notes: This is a specialist coral and should only be added to a mature, stable marine aquarium. Strong indirect flow is essential to keep the branches clean and deliver food. If tissue begins to recede, algae can quickly grow over exposed areas, so flow, feeding and water quality should be reviewed immediately. Avoid touching the tissue where possible, and inspect regularly for algae, detritus build-up or poor polyp extension. Coral dipping and quarantine are recommended where suitable before introduction. Suitable for: Experienced reef keepers Availability: Rare / occasional in trade All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in colour, structure, polyp extension and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.