Colorful Sea Whip

Colorful Sea Whip (Leptogorgia Virgulata)

Common Name: Colorful Sea Whip
Scientific Name: Leptogorgia virgulata
Type: Photosynthetic gorgonian (soft coral)

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is best.
• Water Flow: Medium to strong, indirect water flow. 
• Water Temperature: Water temperature needs to be cool. 72 - 78˚F.

• Feeding:

  Leptogorgia hebes is photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding

  • • Phytoplankton

    • Fine zooplankton

    • Liquid coral foods

    • Marine snow–type products

      Feed 1–3 times per week with the following recommended foods:

  • Target feeding is helpful but not required if the tank is nutrient-rich

• Algae growth on the branches can smother tissue. Prevent by:

  • Maintaining good water flow

  • Keeping nutrients (nitrate/phosphate) in check

  • Avoiding excessive lighting

    • If algae appears, gently increase flow rather than brushing the coral

• Supplements: Benefits from stable reef parameters:

  • Calcium: 380–450 ppm

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

    • Trace elements, iodine, strontium and calcium may support growth but must be dosed cautiously. 

• Reproduction

  Asexual reproduction through branching or fragmentation

  • Broken branches can attach and grow into new colonies

  • Sexual reproduction is rare in home aquariums

  • Fragging is possible for experienced hobbyists using clean, sharp tools