Dry Sea Plume
Antillogorgia acerosa
Also known as: purple sea plume, smooth sea feather
A feathery Caribbean gorgonian that brings soft, swaying motion to reef displays.
About
Dry Sea Plume (Antillogorgia acerosa) is a gorgonian octocoral native to Caribbean and western Atlantic waters, including populations around Bermuda and the Mexican coast. In the wild it grows in branching, feather-like colonies that can reach impressive heights, swaying rhythmically in the current on reef slopes and rubble zones. The branches are lined with tiny polyps that extend to feed, giving the colony a soft, textured appearance. Coloration tends toward purple and tan hues, though this varies between individuals and locations. In the aquarium this species is reef safe and won't bother its neighbors, but it does ask a bit more of the keeper than the average beginner's coral. It depends on high, consistent water movement to deliver food particles and carry away waste, and moderate lighting suits it well. Like other photosynthetic gorgonians it hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, but it also benefits noticeably from regular target feeding with fine particulate foods. Keepers who put in that extra effort are rewarded with a colony that adds genuine three-dimensional structure and organic movement to a display. This is a coral worth exploring once you have a stable, well-established system running.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Dry Sea Plume
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Dry Sea Plume eat?
- The Dry Sea Plume is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Dry Sea Plume reef safe?
- The Dry Sea Plume is generally considered reef safe.