What type of coral is this?

Hi,

I bought this from a lfs. It was in a low lit tank under a MH (about 4 feet below), It looked like a trig with half a dozen polyps on it.
The member of staff didnt know too much about it, I assumed it was some sort of hard coral, but wasnt sure on what type.
Since i put it in the tank, within an hour loads of blue polyps have apeared on it. What I want to know is: what type of coral is it, what type of light it needs, and is it ok in my soft coral tank. Also how fast does it grow..
Thanks.
Warren

 

looks like a blueberry gorgonian. very difficult to keep. its non photosynthetic. so it will need foods like cyclopeez or rods food. even then very tough. needs at least medium flow. i had one, it didnt make it.

 

I dont know the scientific name to this one but i do remember being told it is extremely difficult to care for and typically only last for 6 months in captivity.

 

very pretty though!

 

Aghhh!! I should have known it wasn't an easy one to keep.

 

It is beautiful though!! And maybe you'll be a pro at keeping it!

 

Consider it a challenge then. Better you try to care for it, than it just dying off at the LFS. K+ and luck sent your way!

 

+1 to divott. blue gorgonians are beautiful but hard to keep. how old is your tank? an established tank is the best for the survival of the gorg.

the problem most have is to keep this coral from cyanobacteria and algae growing on it. this is the main cause of its demise. also the daily feedings of the gorg tend to foul the water fairly quickly thus raising the oppurtunity for the cyano and algae to produce.

daily feedings of rotifers and plankatonic feeds are a must. also small meaty foods like cyclopeeze. a variety of these foods may increase survival.

good luck with this one, i hope you are able to keep it and if you are please share your success

 

Good luck with the beautiful gorg

 

Beauty! I love Gorgs. Good luck with it!