Anyone for a Gorgonian ID?

[Cabreradavid]

Hi,

I have a gorgonian that I would like some ID opinions on (I understand the difficulties in getting a verified ID on a softie, I just want a best estimate). This gorgonian was purchased at a lfs and advertised as a Pseudopterogorgia species (sea plumes). While the polyp structure and thin branches seem to suggest this species to me, the overall growth form does not. It is not bi-pinnate, and more closely resembles a lateral branching form (I do realize there are 15 some species in this genus, but I have not been able to find a picture of one that is not bi-pinnate). I am assuming this coral came from the Caribbean if it was identified as Pseudopterogorgia. I have included notes on the morphology of the coral as well as pictures below:

Notes:

Colony is monomorphic
Colony is zooxanthelate
Polyps appear to occur randomly on all sides of branches
There are two primary stalks with lateral branches extending in two planes
The polyps can retract completely into round apertures
All polyps retract at night
Sclerites not apparent
Stalk is grey-purple
Polyps are yellow-brown and are rather large
Branches are smooth and dry to the touch


Entire colony:

Close up of polyps:

Polyps:

more polyps/aperture

Polyps retracted at night (and out of focus, sorry)

thanks and let me know if more information is needed

David

 

[Anonymous]

huh? all i see is a reef central pic?

 

[cdeakle]

Get that propaganda outta here and insert real pics....

 

[Cabreradavid]

They are real pictures I swear (my preview worked fine)! I downloaded the pics to another website so here they are again:

Entire colony

Polyps close up:

Polyps extended /retracted

colony at night:

Ok

 

[John_Brandt]

These gorgonians are somewhat difficult to identify. But usually each genus has distinguishing characteristics. Your photos and description are excellent.

I believe it is Pseudoplexaura sp.

 

[Cabreradavid]

Thanks John,

I thought it was Pseudoplexaura as well. At least I now have someone who agrees with me.

David

 

[Cabreradavid]

Thanks John,

I thought it was Pseudoplexaura as well. At least I now have someone who agrees with me.

David

 

[Anonymous]

It looks just like one we have here at UCD. I always thought it was a Eunicea sp. They like GPs

 

[Cabreradavid]

Matt,


As I understand it all the Eunicea species (except E. knighti, for which of course I can't find a picture or adequate description of yet) have very apparent calyces when the polyps retract. My gorgonian has no apparent calyces so that's why I thought it might not be Eunicea. The polyps sure do look similar though. I'll still have to try the GP's though

David

 

[Anonymous]

David,
Seems like you really know your stuff about gorg species. I probably had the wrong ID. What does monomorphic mean anyway, in relation to gorgonians?

...for what it's worth, those big polyps can catch flake food and baby Artemia too

Good luck, and thanks for the info!

Matt

 

[Cabreradavid]

Matt,

Well, I am trying to get my gorgonians striaght after first thinking they were not too hard to tell apart and then realizing they were. Monomorphic refers to the fact that the gorgonian only has one type of polyp (autozooid), whereas some other corals (like leathers) may have two (dimorphic, the second polyp type being called a Siphonozooid..they look like small bumps). I am going to try target feeding the gorgonian tonight as for some reason I have never tried.

David

 

[John_Brandt]

Besides having protruding polyp calyces, Eunicea will feel prickly to the touch because of its spikey spicules at the surface and especially at the calyces. David described it as smooth and that's why I complimented his description as being excellent.

 

[Baianotang]

boy I love the gorgis.