Antillogorgia elisabethae

Bayer, 1961

Purple Frilly

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Florida and the Caribbean.

Natural Environment: Inhabits inshore and patch reef flats, slopes, and underwater plateaus and usually seen between depths 6 - 100 feet (2 - 30 m).

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and has a flattened blade-like appearance.

Requires strong light and excellent water movement.

Plankton-like foodstuffs are beneficial, and should be fed several times weekly.

Aquarium Suitability: I've had very good success with this species in reef aquariums.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Holaxonia

Family: Gorgoniidae

Genus: Antillogorgia

FYI: Care must be taken not to allow algae growths to occur on the branches, as that will interfere with its plankton intake, greatly shorting its lifespan. Bright light is not sufficient alone to sustain this species.

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 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 350+

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.