Euplexaura Sea Fan
Euplexaura Sea Fan (Futo-yagi) is a gorgonian whose short, thick branches spread across a single plane to form a fan-shaped colony. The branches are about 7 mm in diameter at the base and about 4 mm at the tips, with polyps covering the whole colony. It has no zooxanthellae, so it does not rely on photosynthesis. Instead it opens its polyps in strong water flow to catch plankton. Adults reach 50–80 cm (Reeflex), and the broad, sweeping shape is its main charm. Care is rated for advanced keepers, and little is documented about its lifespan.
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Euplexaura Sea Fan key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Little data available
- Size
- 50-80 cm (Reeflex)
- Diet
- Must be fed (fine particulate and plankton-type food)
- Lighting
- It has no zooxanthellae and gains nothing from light (Reeflex); viewing light is enough.
- Flow & Placement
- It lives on rocky bottoms with strong currents and will not open without flow (Reeflex). Fix it upright with the fan facing the current.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- A species of Japanese and Korean coasts; Reeflex gives 27°C as the upper limit. Keep near the temperature of its origin and salinity at 33-35 ppt (SG 1.023-1.025).
- Diet & Feeding
- Every polyp must be fed daily or three to four times a week to survive (Reeflex). Give granular, fine particulate or frozen foods with the pumps off.
- Health & Cautions
- Rated experts only and very hard to keep; a species-specific tank is recommended (Reeflex).
About Euplexaura Sea Fan
Meet Euplexaura Sea Fan, an advanced-level gorgonian with thick, fan-shaped branches. Learn about its plankton feeding without zooxanthellae, its strong-flow needs, its 50–80 cm adult size, and what to know before buying.
7 things to know before welcoming a Euplexaura Sea Fan
1For advanced keepers
Its care level is rated for advanced keepers. Because it has no zooxanthellae, you need to keep providing water flow and food, so it suits people already comfortable with tank management.
2No zooxanthellae
Since it does not depend on photosynthesis, strong lighting is not essential. What matters more is checking every day that enough food is actually reaching the colony.
3Strong water flow
It opens its polyps in strong flow and catches plankton as it drifts past. Weak flow makes it harder for the colony to capture food, so it is usually placed with the face of the fan toward the current.
4Grows 50–80 cm
Adults are reported at 50–80 cm, with short branches spreading in one plane like a fan. It needs room in width and height, so choose its spot with the full-grown size in mind.
5Feeding is key
Sea fans need enough food delivered to each polyp, and Reeflex notes that without generous feeding every day or three to four times a week they do not survive. Turn off the pumps, then feed granular or fine particulate foods and frozen foods to the polyps. Watch that leftover food does not foul the water.
6Watch the polyps
Check daily whether the polyps are open and whether the branch surfaces look any different. If the polyps stay closed for a long time, take it as a cue to review water flow, water quality, and the food you offer.
7Prepare before buying
Set up the pumps for flow and your feeding method first, and decide where it will sit before it arrives. Read the size and condition notes on the listing, and message the breeder with questions such as how it has been fed.
Frequently asked questions about Euplexaura Sea Fan
- Q.Can beginners keep it?
- A.Its care level is rated for advanced keepers. It has no zooxanthellae and needs managed water flow and feeding, so it is best tried after you have gained experience with corals.
- Q.Does it need strong lighting?
- A.It has no zooxanthellae and does not rely on photosynthesis, so strong lighting is not essential. Strong water flow and plankton-type foods are what care centers on instead.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.Turn off the pumps and feed granular or fine particulate foods and frozen foods to the individual polyps. According to Reeflex, it will not survive unless it is fed generously every day or three to four times a week.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adult size is reported as 50–80 cm (Reeflex). The branches are thick, about 7 mm across at the base and about 4 mm at the tips.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.There is little published information on its lifespan, so no clear figure is known. Plan for long-term keeping by setting up a tank where flow and feeding can be maintained steadily.
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