White Horny Coral

About

White horny coral (Eunicella singularis) is a gorgonian sea fan native exclusively to the Mediterranean Sea, where it grows on rocky substrates anywhere from relatively shallow coastal waters down to around 50 meters. In the wild it forms branching, tree-like colonies that can become quite substantial over time, serving as shelter and attachment points for a range of small invertebrates and fish. The coloration tends toward pale cream and white, giving colonies a clean, almost skeletal appearance that reads quite differently from the more colorful tropical gorgonians many reefers are used to. Because it comes from subtropical Mediterranean waters rather than tropical reefs, it is worth keeping in mind that this species is adapted to conditions that differ from the typical coral-reef setup, including cooler temperatures at the upper end of its range. That said, it is listed as a beginner-appropriate coral, which is somewhat unusual for a gorgonian, suggesting it is more tolerant of typical aquarium conditions than many of its relatives. Moderate flow and moderate lighting suit it well. If you are looking for something that offers a distinctly different silhouette and a cool-water Mediterranean character, this fan coral is worth a closer look.