Swiftia exserta

(Ellis & Solander, 1786)

Red Gorgonian

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean (and other locales yet to be defined).

Natural Environment: This non-photosynthetic species is found in fairly deep, e.g., 50 to 100 feet (15 - 30 m) and nutrient rich waters experiencing moderate currents along coastal areas. Usually inhabiting surfaces under overhangs or the interior walls of caves. Generally red polyps on orange branches yet may have some slight color differences depending upon where collected.

General Husbandry: Placement in the aquarium and its feeding is extremely important if there is to be any level of success with this species! It should be placed in a shady area, preferably a cave-like area receiving a gentle to moderate water current passing through it, i.e., from its opening to its opposite opening, and where it's easy to direct a gentle flow, possibly from a turkey baster, of phytoplankton and zooplankton products upon its polyps at least 'twice' a day. And consider two feeding per day a very 'real' minimum, as three or four feeding per day are better, yet may still not be adequate for long term health. This species also seems to fair better in somewhat nutrient rich surroundings, and where iodine additives are constantly used and monitored.

Keep in mind direct hand feeding of this species is 'absolutely' necessary, and it might be better if this species was maintained in a 'refugium-like' environment that is dedicated to sponges and other non-photosynthetic species and/or where system filtration can adequately handle the extra feeding attention this species requires. Also consider enriching its foodstuffs with commercial supplements having Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (HUFA) containing Omega-3 fatty oils, e.g., Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), Docosahexaenoic (DHA), and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), as this seemed to have a positive effect on the specimen I maintained in a separate 20 gallon tank with two HOT filters and a white moonlight. Nevertheless, even with much dedicated care; I did not have long-term (over one year) success with this species.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Holaxonia

Family: Plexauridae

Genus: Swiftia

FYI: This very pretty coral having orange branches and red polyps shows up in the trade quite frequently even though it's not a common species in the wild. That's because it's a highly attractive and showy animal and collectors know there is a market for colorful and showy species/specimens. Nevertheless, unless it can be provided its needed environmental and nutritional needs, including a somewhat cooler water temperature as noted below, this is a species that is better left in the wild. Tempting - yes - but difficult to maintain any length of time!

Experience Level: Intermediate

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: 68 - 76°F (20 - 25°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 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.