How big is the Giant fan gorgonian?

Giant fan gorgonian (Subergorgia mollis) reaches 50–200 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant fan gorgonian?

Giant fan gorgonian is found between 10–80 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Giant fan gorgonian?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Giant fan gorgonian?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Giant fan gorgonian (Subergorgia mollis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Subergorgia mollis
Common name: Giant fan gorgonian
Category: Corals
Family: Subergorgiidae
Genus: Subergorgia
Size: 50–200 cm
Depth: 10–80 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Subergorgia mollis reaches 2 m span. Largest gorgonian of Indo-Pacific. Colony in flat or slightly curved fan shape oriented perpendicular to currents, red-orange, pink or beige color. White to yellow extractile polyps. Octocorallia with horny skeleton. Lives from 10 to 80 m on drop-offs and current-swept passes (filters plankton) of coral reefs of entire Indo-Pacific. Listed LC. Key habitat for pygmy fish (Pterapogon kauderni), pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti in close Muricella). Iconic wide-angle photo subject.

Photo of Giant fan gorgonian

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant fan gorgonian?: Giant fan gorgonian (Subergorgia mollis) reaches 50–200 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant fan gorgonian?: Giant fan gorgonian is found between 10–80 m deep.
Is the Giant fan gorgonian dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant fan gorgonian?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Giant fan gorgonian?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 288002)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2262894)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia