Colorful Sea Whip

About

Colorful Sea Whip (Leptogorgia virgulata) is a gorgonian coral native to the western Atlantic, ranging along the coastlines of the United States and Canada. In the wild it grows in shallow to moderately deep water, anchoring itself to hard substrate and extending its branches into the current to capture passing planktonic food. The colony forms slender, whip-like branches that can display shades of red, orange, yellow, or purple depending on the individual, making each specimen a little different from the next. Like most gorgonians, it is sessile and relies entirely on water movement to bring food to its polyps, which is why robust, consistent flow is so important in captivity. This species is considered reef safe and can be kept at an intermediate care level, though it does demand attention to a few key husbandry points. It needs good water quality, steady moderate lighting, and high flow to thrive. Neglect any of those and the colony will begin to decline. Target feeding with fine zooplankton or similar particulate foods is strongly recommended, as gorgonians in aquaria often struggle without supplemental nutrition. Not the most forgiving coral for a brand-new keeper, but a rewarding one for someone ready to meet its needs.