How difficult is it to keep Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)?

The ideal temperature for Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian) is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the typical price for Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)?

The price of Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)

Q: What should I feed Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)?

Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian) feeds on: Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Advanced

Diodogorgia nodulifera

A western Atlantic octocoral with thick red or yellow finger-like branches studded with white polyps. It lacks zooxanthellae, so light will not feed it and frequent target feeding is essential.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

24〜27℃

Diet

Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise)

About

Diodogorgia nodulifera is a gorgonian octocoral of the family Spongiodermidae found in the western Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean. Its skeleton is not calcium carbonate but gorgonin, a flexible yet tough protein, and it raises thick, finger-like branches. Branches are red, orange or yellow and the contrast with the many small white polyps is its main appeal. Like most gorgonians it is non-photosynthetic, holding no zooxanthellae, so lighting will not sustain it and it must be fed phytoplankton and fine zooplankton frequently. Heavy feeding degrades water quality, so the central challenge is combining generous feeding with skimming and water changes. Give strong random flow and keep sediment from settling between the branches.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Temperature & humidity for the Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian)

The ideal temperature for the Diodogorgia (Red Finger Gorgonian) is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, off Florida)

Temperature

24〜27℃

Diet

Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise)

Care Guide

Lighting

It has no zooxanthellae, so lighting is unnecessary; a shaded spot or under an overhang suits it better.

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 24–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt

Soft coralLight: Low (PAR 30-50)Flow: HighPlacement: Flexible

Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: Gorgonians in the Marine Aquarium / AlgaeBarn: Feeding Your NPS Aquarium / AlgaeBarn: Natural Water Quality Management for Non-Photosynthetic Reef Aquaria

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Diodogorgia nodulifera (Hargitt in Hargitt & Rogers, 1901)

Synonyms: Corallium vanderbilti, Diodogorgia ceratosa, Diodogorgia cervicornis, Diodogorgia crustata, Solanderia crustata, Solanderia nodulifera, Solandria crustata, Solandria nodulifera

Authority databases: WoRMS

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Octocoral, order Scleralcyonacea (Diodogorgia nodulifera, Spongiodermidae). Not listed by CITES: it belongs to none of Scleractinia, Antipatharia, Helioporidae, Tubiporidae, Milleporidae or Stylasteridae.

Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (taxon not listed) / CITES Appendices

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.