Purple Bush Gorgonia Brierium Asbestinum

Purple Bush Gorgonia Brierium Asbestinum

£99.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-61 Category:

Description

Purple Bush Gorgonia (Briareum asbestinum)

(Also known as the Corky Sea Finger, Purple Bush Coral, or Encrusting Gorgonian)

Overview

The Purple Bush Gorgonia (Briareum asbestinum) is a hardy, fast-growing, photosynthetic soft coral that forms bushy, finger-like branches with a distinctive purple or violet base and bright green or cream-coloured polyps. It is closely related to the popular Green Star Polyp (Briareum sp.) and is equally resilient, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced reef aquarists. This coral adds vibrant movement and texture to aquariums and can quickly encrust nearby rockwork, creating a lush, living mat of polyps.

Origin

Found throughout the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic, including the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Gulf of Mexico. Commonly inhabits shallow reef slopes and hard substrates exposed to moderate water flow and strong light.

Feeding

The Purple Bush Gorgonia is photosynthetic, hosting symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutrition through photosynthesis. While not dependent on direct feeding, it benefits from occasional supplemental nutrition to enhance growth and colour:

  • Phytoplankton or microplankton (1–2 times per week)

  • Marine snow or coral-specific powdered foods

  • Occasional amino acid or trace element supplements

Polyps passively capture fine particulate food from the water column, but excessive feeding is unnecessary.

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting. Strong illumination from LED, T5, or metal halide systems supports both zooxanthellae and vibrant colouration. PAR levels between 150–250 µmol/m²/s are ideal. Too little light can cause fading and reduced growth.

Water Flow

Moderate to strong, indirect flow. Consistent water movement helps keep the polyps extended, removes detritus, and delivers nutrients. Avoid direct jets that could damage tissue or prevent polyp extension.

Placement

  • Mount on rockwork in the mid to upper regions of the aquarium.

  • Allow ample space — Briareum asbestinum spreads quickly and can overgrow nearby corals.

  • Ideal for rock walls, overhangs, or isolated islands to control growth.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:

  • All reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, blennies, tangs, etc.)

  • Cleaner shrimp, snails, hermits, and other invertebrates

  • Most soft and LPS corals (with adequate spacing)

Avoid:

  • Large angelfish and butterflyfish that may nip at polyps

  • Corals sensitive to allelopathic competition (e.g. leathers, mushrooms) when placed too close

Aggression

Mildly aggressive. While not stinging, Briareum can outcompete or overgrow nearby corals through rapid mat-like expansion. Regular pruning and spacing help maintain control. Use activated carbon filtration to reduce chemical competition in mixed reefs.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. One of the hardiest and fastest-growing gorgonians, ideal for aquarists looking to add movement, colour, and structural height to their reef tank without complex feeding requirements.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°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 50 gallons (190L) recommended for stability and growth space

Maintain stable water chemistry, consistent light, and moderate nutrient levels for healthy growth and vibrant colour.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. Briareum asbestinum adds motion, colour, and vertical interest to mixed reef aquariums. Its photosynthetic nature and tolerance of varying conditions make it suitable for a wide range of setups, though its rapid growth requires occasional trimming.

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

 

ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ORDER – If you would like to add more items to an existing order for delivery, please select this option. All additions must be made 24 hours before your existing delivery date.: Free

 

AQUARIUM DELIVERY – All Sims Aquariums and Other Branded Aquariums with Cabinets are Free for a curb-side delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a convenient delivery date.: Free

 

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GIFT CARDS – These will be delivered electronically within 24 hours of receipt of payment, please remember that if you have any other items that require shipping, you must select either Standard or Insured delivery.

 

 

 

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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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INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Insured Delivery Is £30 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 Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

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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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