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Euplexaura Sea Fan
AdvancedEuplexaura crassa
A sea fan whose short branches divide in one plane into a fan. The branches are thick, about 7 mm at the base and 4 mm at the tips, with polyps all over the colony. It lacks zooxanthellae and opens in strong currents to catch plankton.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
24〜27℃
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
50-80 cm (Reeflex)
Diet
Must be fed (fine particulate and plankton-type food)
About
Euplexaura crassa is an octocoral of the family Plexauridae described by Kükenthal in 1908 and recorded from Japan, Korea and the Andaman Islands (Reeflex). The colony branches in one plane into a fan of short, thick branches about 7 mm across at the base and 4 mm at the tips. Polyps occur over the whole colony and retract directly into the tissue (Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium). It lives on rocky bottoms at 10-40 m in areas of strong current, and colonies of 50-80 cm are recorded. It is an azooxanthellate gorgonian that cannot live on light; Reeflex rates it 'experts only, very hard to keep' and recommends at least 300 L. One keeper reports that it prefers strong currents, does not open in calm areas and retracts its polyps soon after the pumps are switched off. Gorgonians like this must have every polyp fed adequately (Reeflex). In Japan, locally collected specimens appear in specialist shops from time to time.
Size of the Euplexaura Sea Fan
The Euplexaura Sea Fan grows to 50-80 cm (Reeflex).
Basic Info
Origin
Rocky bottoms of Japan, Korea and the Andaman Islands (10-40 m)
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
50-80 cm (Reeflex)
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Must be fed (fine particulate and plankton-type food)
Care Guide
Care Specifications
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Min. Tank
- 300 L
Soft coralLight: Low (PAR 30-50)Flow: High
Sources: Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium guide (Euplexaura crassa) / Reeflex (Euplexaura crassa)
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
- Species+ (CITES search)
- Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species
- Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited
- e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)
- Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium guide (Euplexaura crassa)
- Reeflex (Euplexaura crassa)
- WoRMS
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Domestic law: Okinawa's fisheries adjustment regulations include sea fans and sea whips (suborders Calcaxonia, Holaxonia and others) in 'reef-building corals', so collecting them in Okinawan waters is prohibited (cultured specimens are exempt). Elsewhere, collection may fall under prefectural fisheries rules or fishing rights, and taking designated species in marine park zones requires a permit (Natural Parks Act, Art. 22).
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law.
Sources: Species+ (CITES search) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited / e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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