DJ88
07-03-2002, 12:31 AM
I really want to get a discussion on these going.. So I will giver a shot and start. Feel free to add in species you feel aren't a good idea to be imported and for what reasons. smile.gif
This is a coral that tops my list for one that I feel should never be sold. Diodogorgia nodulifera(pg 159-160 of Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals) is the colorful non-photosynthetic gorgonian you can see in pretty much any LFS. The polyps of these form a bright white halo around a bright yellow/orange or red body. These require an almost constant source of food. They are completely non-photosynthetic and have no zooxanthellae.
They are a beautiful coral. No doubt about it. Heck I have even wanted one so much it was hard to walk away. But I know it will require a tank where they can remain free of algae growths on them and are well fed. A deep water biotope may be a way to keep one of these with enough current to keep them moving. With a high feeding schedule. Problem is to me I don't know what will keep these alive. DT's might, Golden pearls might. I can't say for sure. In my readings not many can keep these alive. yet they are brought in and sold as they are pretty.. I haven't heard of one lasting more than a year. And it is a slow decline up to then as they receed from the skeleton.
If a gorgonian is what you want. Look for one with dark brownish grey polyps. They are usually the sea whips or blades. Much easier to look after and still have that long wavy shape that is so nice to see. I know I have one. And it is thriving and fraggable. smile.gif
http://members.shaw.ca/montipora/canadianreef_files/softies_files/gorgonian.jpg
[ 02 July 2002, 20:40: Message edited by: DJ88 ]
This is a coral that tops my list for one that I feel should never be sold. Diodogorgia nodulifera(pg 159-160 of Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals) is the colorful non-photosynthetic gorgonian you can see in pretty much any LFS. The polyps of these form a bright white halo around a bright yellow/orange or red body. These require an almost constant source of food. They are completely non-photosynthetic and have no zooxanthellae.
They are a beautiful coral. No doubt about it. Heck I have even wanted one so much it was hard to walk away. But I know it will require a tank where they can remain free of algae growths on them and are well fed. A deep water biotope may be a way to keep one of these with enough current to keep them moving. With a high feeding schedule. Problem is to me I don't know what will keep these alive. DT's might, Golden pearls might. I can't say for sure. In my readings not many can keep these alive. yet they are brought in and sold as they are pretty.. I haven't heard of one lasting more than a year. And it is a slow decline up to then as they receed from the skeleton.
If a gorgonian is what you want. Look for one with dark brownish grey polyps. They are usually the sea whips or blades. Much easier to look after and still have that long wavy shape that is so nice to see. I know I have one. And it is thriving and fraggable. smile.gif
http://members.shaw.ca/montipora/canadianreef_files/softies_files/gorgonian.jpg
[ 02 July 2002, 20:40: Message edited by: DJ88 ]