Diodogorgia nodulifera

(Hargitt & Rogers, 1901)

Orange Tree Gorgonian, Red Tree Gorgonian, Yellow Tree Gorgonian

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Southern Florida, Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Natural Environment: Inhabits areas under overhangs and caves receiving excellent water flow and usually seen at depths between 30 - 600 feet (10 - 180 m) where it can attain a height of about 12 inches (30 cm).

General Husbandry: This non-photosynthetic species requires a shaded area and daily feedings with plankton-like foodstuffs.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Scleraxonia

Family: Spongiodermidae

Genus: Diodogorgia

FYI: Shows up in the trade quite frequently because of its colors, but difficult to maintain any length of time!

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Plankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately difficult

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Lighting: PAR 50

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.