Red Finger Gorgonia Lophogorgia Nodulifera

Red Finger Gorgonia Lophogorgia Nodulifera

£99.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-63 Category:

Description

Red Finger Gorgonia (Lophogorgia nodulifera)

(Also known as the Red Sea Whip Coral or Red Tree Gorgonian)

Overview

The Red Finger Gorgonia (Lophogorgia nodulifera) is a stunning non-photosynthetic soft coral known for its deep red to orange branches that resemble delicate coral fingers or tree limbs. It adds elegant, flowing movement and vibrant colour to reef aquariums. This species does not contain zooxanthellae, relying entirely on planktonic foods for nourishment. While visually striking, it is challenging to maintain and best suited for experienced reef keepers who can provide frequent feeding and stable, pristine water conditions.

Origin

Native to the Caribbean Sea, Western Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico, where it inhabits deeper reef slopes and shaded ledges. Found in areas with moderate to strong current, which continuously delivers planktonic food to its polyps.

Feeding

As a non-photosynthetic suspension feeder, the Red Finger Gorgonia requires regular direct feeding with small, planktonic foods. In the aquarium, feed 3–5 times per week (daily if possible) with:

  • Live or concentrated phytoplankton

  • Marine snow or liquid coral foods

  • Rotifers and microzooplankton

  • Fine powdered coral foods (e.g. Reef-Roids, Reef Energy AB+)

Target feeding is most effective — gently direct food toward extended polyps using a pipette or turkey baster during low-flow periods. Consistent feeding is essential for long-term survival.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. As a non-photosynthetic coral, Lophogorgia nodulifera does not depend on light for energy. Place in shaded areas or regions of indirect light to prevent algae from overgrowing its tissue.

Water Flow

Moderate to strong, indirect flow. The Red Finger Gorgonia thrives in areas with steady current that keeps its polyps extended and prevents detritus buildup. Avoid laminar or blasting flow that may damage the delicate branches.

Placement

  • Place in the mid to lower sections of the aquarium, ideally in a shaded or overhung area.

  • Secure the base firmly into rockwork or substrate to prevent shifting in flow.

  • Ensure surrounding corals do not come into contact with its branches, as irritation or tissue damage may occur.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:

  • Small, non-aggressive reef fish (gobies, blennies, firefish, cardinalfish)

  • Invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, snails, and sea stars

  • Most corals, provided adequate space is given

Avoid:

  • Large angelfish, butterflyfish, or other species known to pick at coral polyps

  • Aggressive LPS or stinging corals (e.g. Euphyllia, Galaxea) nearby

Aggression

Peaceful. Does not sting or attack other corals but can be damaged by nearby aggressive species or encroaching algae. Ensure good water flow and placement spacing.

Experience Level

Advanced. Requires dedicated feeding, stable water quality, and appropriate flow to remain healthy. Ideal for experienced aquarists familiar with maintaining non-photosynthetic (NPS) coral systems or nutrient-managed reef tanks.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • Hardness (dKH): 8–12

  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

  • Nitrate: <10 ppm

  • Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for stability and feeding consistency

Maintain high water quality, consistent feeding, and strong nutrient export via skimming or refugium.

Reef Compatibility

Reef safe. The Red Finger Gorgonia adds stunning colour and movement to mature reef systems but requires regular feeding and moderate flow to prevent tissue loss. Works well in low-light or NPS reef displays.

STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £20.00

 

SATURDAY STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –  Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £30.00

 

INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Wednesday,Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £30.00

 

SATURDAY INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £40.00

 

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Standard Delivery Is £20 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. Selecting Your Fish For Standard Delivery Is A Choice Against Selecting The Insured Delivery Service And Is A Formal Agreement To Accepting The The Terms And Conditions Stated By This Policy. 

We deliver our standard service to retail customers through our livestock licensed courier DX on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday every week.

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We Deliver Our Standard Service To Retail Customers Through Our Livestock Licensed Courier DX On A Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Insured Delivery On A Saturday Is £40 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Delivery Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

Instant Replacement Livestock Can Be Delivered On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

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