Muricea muricata

(Pallas, 1766)

Spiny Sea Fan

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

Natural Environment: Inhabits depths up to 50 feet (15 m) and forms broad fan-shaped colonies, which are found on coral fragments and rocky rubble. Attains a height of about 12 inches (30 cm).

General Husbandry: Occasionally shows up in the trade and requires moderate light, good water quality, moderate water movement and zooplankton feedings several times per week.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Holaxonia

Family: Plexauridae

Genus: Muricea

FYI: Will quickly dissipate if an alga begins to coat its structure.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/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: Moderate

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 - 79°F (22 - 26°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 300+

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.