Sea Fan

About

Found along Atlantic coastlines and throughout the Mediterranean, Eunicella gazella is a gorgonian sea fan that attaches to hard surfaces and builds its branching, tree-like colony over time. Like all sessile cnidarians, it stays rooted in one spot and relies on water movement to deliver the food particles and plankton it feeds on, which makes thoughtful placement in the tank genuinely important. Moderate, consistent flow is key. Enough to keep the polyps extended and feeding, but not so turbulent that the colony gets battered. This is a subtropical species, so it tends to appreciate cooler conditions than the typical tropical reef setup, and that is worth keeping in mind when planning tankmates and equipment. Despite its delicate appearance, it carries a beginner-friendly care rating, which is a pleasant surprise for a gorgonian. Many relatives in this group are notoriously difficult to keep long-term. It is reef safe and plays well with corals and invertebrates that share its preferred conditions. If you can match the right flow, lighting, and temperature range, this sea fan rewards patience with slow but steady growth and a genuinely distinctive silhouette that few other corals can replicate.