Knobby Candelabra

About

Knobby Candelabra (Eunicea tourneforti) is a gorgonian soft coral native to the Western Atlantic, where it grows on Caribbean reefs at relatively shallow depths, typically found anywhere from just a few meters down to around 17 meters. Its common name does a good job of describing it. The colony branches upward and outward in a candelabra-like arrangement, and the surface is covered in pronounced knobby polyp mounds that give it a distinctly textured, almost warty appearance. This is what sets it apart visually from smoother gorgonians you might encounter in the same region. In the aquarium, this species sits in intermediate territory. Not the most demanding coral you'll keep, but not a beginner's first gorgonian either. It does best with strong, consistent water movement, which mirrors the surge and current it experiences on natural Caribbean reefs. Moderate lighting suits it well. Like most photosynthetic gorgonians, it benefits from both light and occasional target feeding with fine particulate foods, though it won't punish you severely if feeding is inconsistent. Give it room to show off its branching silhouette, and avoid placing it where flow is weak or stagnant. A solid choice for a reef keeper ready to branch out into Caribbean soft corals.