ID This Gorgonian?

**JustDavidP** · 03-16-2008, 09:46 PM

I've had this purple gorg for two years. It's in a 26 bow that used to house my seahorses. It's under 110W PC and has grown about two inches longer in branching length and developed from three to 5 branches. All in all, it's doing well.

The problem is this...I need to rip this tank down to make room for a new 56 Gallon Column that will be a reef. In between now, and then, the contents of the 26 will be going into the basement, in a 38 Gallon tank with LR and a DSB. The lighting will only be normal output. The silly AGA tube that comes standard with the tank.

It will only be for a couple months, and the rest of the tank will be fine (fish only). I really want to know if this gorgonian is photosynthetic or not. If it will make it for two months in the dark.

Dave

**CarmieJo** · 03-16-2008, 10:37 PM

Dave, is it fleshy with big polyps? If so I believe it is photosynthetic.

**JustDavidP** · 03-16-2008, 10:42 PM

It is fleshy (even sheds when growing) and has brown polyps. Someone suggested it may be a purple sea whip. It's probably photosynthetic. I may have to ask someone to hold it for me when I am moving the tanks etc.

Dave

PhotoJohn · 03-17-2008, 03:16 AM

how can you tell the photo from the non photo?

**JustDavidP** · 03-17-2008, 09:09 AM

I was told, that if they have white polyps, they are non photo. Those with colored polyps, to include cremes and browns, host zooxanthellae and therefore need some light.

Dave

PhotoJohn · 03-17-2008, 10:23 AM

thanks for the info

**JustDavidP** · 03-17-2008, 10:38 AM

Sure... I just learned this myself.. through my inquiry here and at other forums. Glad to pass along my findings.

D