Spiny Sea Fan

About

The spiny sea fan (Muricea elongata) is a gorgonian coral native to the Western Atlantic, ranging from the waters of Canada and the USA down through the Caribbean. In the wild it grows on reef structures anywhere from just a few meters down to around 33 meters, where strong currents deliver a steady supply of plankton to its polyps. Its branching framework is covered in prominent spines that give the colony a textured, almost thorny silhouette, and the orange coloration that earns it the alternate name orange muricea makes it a visually interesting centerpiece in a reef display. Like other gorgonians, this species is sessile and filter-feeds, so replicating that brisk flow is probably the single most important factor in keeping it healthy long-term. It is considered reef safe and poses no threat to corals or mobile invertebrates in the tank. Moderate lighting is adequate, though placement matters since the colony needs to intercept as much passing flow as possible rather than sitting in a dead spot. This is not a species for beginners, partly because gorgonians as a group can be finicky about water quality and feeding, but a keeper with some reef experience who can maintain clean, well-oxygenated water and provide regular planktonic food should find it a rewarding and long-lived addition.