The Purple Ribbon Gorgonia, Pterogorgia anceps, is perfect for decorating a reef tank because of the popular purple color and because the thin blades wave back and forth with the reef tank currents. The Purple Ribbon Gorgonian is photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic marine algae called zooxanthellae. A very simple gorgonian to keep, their dietary needs are had through reef tank lighting and they shed their skin to remain clean. Mostly referred to as either the Purple Ribon Gorgonian or Purple Sea Blade, once in a while you will hear it being called the Angular Sea Whip, Purple Sea Whip, or Purple Whip Gorgonian. With rows of white or tan polyps that extend down the sides of each blade, the polyps add to this corals beauty. Found in the Western Atlantic Ocean near Florida, and in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Colombia. They inhabit very shallow waters on in-shore reef flats with a very good current. They primarily occur on hard bottoms in back reef areas, near shore, or among seagrass, but they are seldom found on the reef itself. The Purple Ribbon Gorgonian is photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic marine algae called zooxanthellae.
Difficulty
With the proper care this gorgonian will do fine, and so it is suggested for an intermediate aquarist. Be sure to provide the right environment and you will be rewarded with a beautifully colored gorgonian with open and happy polyps.
Aggressiveness The Purple Ribbon Gorgonian coral is very peaceful and pose no threat to any other corals or gorgonians. They get along with their own species, but other gorgonians can over take the Pterogorgia corals, so keep each at a distance from one another.
Waterflow
They require good water movement to prevent algae growth. The Purple Sea Blade has a secret weapon against algae and cyanobacteria; It will shed off a layer of its skin to rid itself of an infestations.
Lighting
Since they are photosynthetic, which means they live off of light, they require moderate to strong lighting.
Placement
Place anywhere which provides the coral with both good water flow and at least a moderate lighting level.
Diet and Feeding
Omnivore - The Purple Ribbon gorgonian has a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae known as zooxanthellae, where they can receive a good amount of their nutrients. The Purple Sea Blade or Ribbon Gorgonia also captures planktonic organisms and microscopic food particles from the water column, and can absorb dissolved organic matter.
In captivity, the Purple Ribbon gorgonian can be fed enriched Artemia nauplii, rotifers, dust-sized pellet food, copepods, daphnia, and other similar sized foods. Marine Snow also can be a good food source. Stirring the substrate to suspend edible particulates is helpful, along with the presence of fish which can also help nourish. Feed once or twice a week depending on appearance.
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