Macroalgae Farms

Gold Lace Gorgonian

$44.99

Key Features:
⭐ Tall branching, feather, fan, plume, or ribbon growth forms with dramatic flowing movement in reef current
• Photosynthetic (zooxanthellate) — significantly easier to keep than NPS gorgonians
• Species may include Purple Frilly, Gold Lace, Purple Ribbon, Corky Sea Finger, or similar
• Peaceful, reef-safe soft coral — adds vertical structure and dynamic motion to any display

Size: 2-3"

2-3"

In stock

This product will be available for sale in 2 weeks, but you can pre-order now to receive 10% discount!

Estimated delivery between September 26 and September 28.

Gold Lace Gorgonian

$44.99

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About this item

Photosynthetic Gorgonian

Note: This is a general description of the species — the specific specimen you receive may vary in color, size, and appearance.

Photosynthetic Gorgonians are one of the most graceful, dynamic, and endlessly captivating soft coral additions available in the entire saltwater hobby. Tall branching or feathery colonies sway continuously in reef current — some resembling delicate underwater feathers, others growing as elegant fans, plumes, brushes, or ribbons — displaying colors including deep purple, olive green, warm gold, sandy tan, brown, yellow, and cream expressions, with polyps that extend and retract dramatically along the entire length of the colony — creating one of the most movement-driven and visually distinctive coral silhouettes in the entire reef trade. Unlike stony corals which remain static in the display, gorgonians bring genuine vertical structure and continuous flowing motion to a reef aquarium, adding a completely different aesthetic dimension unlike any other reef coral. Sold as a curated Photosynthetic Gorgonian selected from current availability, which may include species such as Purple Frilly (Muriceopsis flavida), Gold Lace (Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata), Purple Ribbon (Pterogorgia sp.), Corky Sea Finger (Briareum asbestinum), or other beginner-friendly Caribbean gorgonian species.

What makes Photosynthetic Gorgonians one of the most rewarding entry-level soft corals is the combination of dramatic movement, easy zooxanthellate care, and the completely different aesthetic they bring to any reef display. Photosynthetic Gorgonians contain symbiotic zooxanthellae algae in their tissue that provide most of the coral's nutrition through photosynthesis — this is what makes photosynthetic gorgonians significantly easier to keep than the non-photosynthetic (NPS) gorgonians commonly seen in bright red, orange, and neon colors that require daily target feeding to survive. Under moderate to strong reef lighting and good water flow, Photosynthetic Gorgonians grow steadily into full colony-sized specimens over months and years, gradually building into dramatic bushes or fans that anchor the vertical structure of a reef display. Peaceful, reef-safe, and completely non-stinging, Photosynthetic Gorgonians are one of the best all-around beginner soft corals for reefers seeking movement, vertical growth, and genuinely different display aesthetics.

Available Options

Photosynthetic Gorgonian

One healthy Photosynthetic Gorgonian — species and color selected from current availability
Species may include Purple Frilly, Gold Lace, Purple Ribbon, Corky Sea Finger, or other beginner-friendly Caribbean species
Colors may include purple, olive green, gold, tan, brown, yellow, or cream morphs with variable branching patterns
Photosynthetic (zooxanthellate) — significantly easier to keep than NPS gorgonians

Care Information

💡 Lighting Moderate to High (PAR 100–200)	🌊 Water Flow Moderate to High — strong indirect flow preferred
📍 Placement Mid to upper rockwork — mount upright with reef glue or putty	⚙️ Care Level Easy — beginner-friendly zooxanthellate gorgonian
🐠 Temperament Peaceful — reef-safe with corals, fish, and invertebrates	🍽️ Feeding Photosynthetic — supplemental phyto/coral foods 1-2x per week beneficial

Special Considerations

Photosynthetic Gorgonians are the beginner-friendly zooxanthellate gorgonians and are significantly easier to keep than non-photosynthetic (NPS) gorgonians — which typically display bright red, orange, yellow, or white polyp coloration and require daily target feeding of phytoplankton and zooplankton to survive. This listing covers photosynthetic species only, which derive most of their nutrition from light and thrive under standard reef aquarium conditions. Mount the gorgonian upright with reef glue or putty in a location with strong indirect water flow — gorgonians rely on current to flush waste and deliver food, and stagnant flow will cause tissue recession over time. Provide moderate to strong reef lighting; photosynthetic gorgonians come from shallow tropical Caribbean reefs and adapt well to standard reef aquarium lighting. Supplemental feeding with phytoplankton, marine snow, coral feeding preparations, or fine particulate foods 1 to 2 times per week accelerates growth and enhances polyp extension, though it is not required for long-term survival. Photosynthetic Gorgonians are completely peaceful and reef-safe with corals, fish, and invertebrates — they have no sweeper tentacles and will not sting neighbors. Some encrusting species (particularly Briareum) can spread onto adjacent rockwork over time; place these species with intentional space if you want to control their spread. Colonies may temporarily close polyps or shed a thin protective layer during the first few days after acclimation — this is completely normal and healthy, not a sign of decline.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

Photosynthetic Gorgonians are one of the most graceful and beginner-friendly soft corals available to reef keepers:

Tall branching, feather, fan, plume, or ribbon growth forms with polyps extending along the entire length
Continuous flowing movement in reef current — adds genuine vertical structure and dynamic motion to any display
A hardy, peaceful, reef-safe zooxanthellate gorgonian — one of the best all-around beginner soft corals for reefers seeking movement, vertical growth, and completely different display aesthetics from typical reef corals

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer

Due to natural availability, the Photosynthetic Gorgonian you receive will be selected from current inventory and may include species such as Purple Frilly (Muriceopsis flavida), Gold Lace (Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata), Purple Ribbon (Pterogorgia sp.), Corky Sea Finger (Briareum asbestinum), or other beginner-friendly Caribbean photosynthetic gorgonian species. Colors may include purple, olive green, gold, tan, brown, yellow, or cream expressions with variable branching, feather, plume, or fan growth patterns. Specific species and color cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time.

Photographs are representative examples. Actual species, growth pattern, and color will depend on current availability.

This listing covers photosynthetic (zooxanthellate) gorgonians only — non-photosynthetic (NPS) gorgonians requiring daily feeding are sold separately. As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.

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