Description

 

🟣 Encrusting Gorgonian (Erythropodium caribaeorum)

Fast-Growing, Flowing, and Vibrantly Textured Soft Coral

The Encrusting Gorgonian, also known as Blue Mat Polyps or Erythropodium, is a stunning and fast-growing soft coral species that forms a velvety mat over your rockwork. With its vibrant blue to purple hues and constantly waving polyps, it delivers incredible texture and movement to any reef tank.

Ideal for aquarists looking to add a dynamic ground-cover or wall-scaling coral, this soft coral is relatively hardy, peaceful, and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for mixed reefs and soft coral gardens.

---

🧬 Coral Information

• Common Name: Encrusting Gorgonian, Blue Mat Polyps
• Scientific Name: Erythropodium caribaeorum
• Coral Type: Soft Coral (Encrusting Gorgonian)
• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting: Moderate to high
• Water Flow: Moderate to high
• Placement: Bottom, vertical surfaces, or shaded areas of rock

---

✨ Key Features

✔️ Electric Blue to Purple Colouration – Eye-catching tones that stand out in any reef
✔️ Flowing Polyps – Soft, feathery tentacles wave continuously in the current
✔️ Fast Encrusting Growth – Spreads rapidly over rock and other hard surfaces
✔️ Great for Aquascape Texture – Adds visual interest to otherwise bare surfaces
✔️ Ideal for Shady Areas – Thrives on vertical rockwork and lower light crevices

---

💡 Lighting & Flow Requirements

The Encrusting Gorgonian thrives under moderate to high PAR (100–250). A balanced spectrum including actinic blues will help bring out its brilliant coloration. Too little light may cause browning or stunted growth, while excessive light may bleach polyps.

Provide moderate to strong water flow to keep the polyps extended and prevent detritus buildup. This coral enjoys a good current and will reward you with constant, elegant movement.

---

🍽 Feeding & Growth

While primarily photosynthetic through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, Encrusting Gorgonians also benefit from occasional broadcast feeding, especially in nutrient-poor systems. Suitable foods include:

• Phytoplankton
• Rotifers
• Marine snow
• Amino acid supplements

Regular feedings can accelerate growth and enhance polyp extension.

---

🧪 Water Parameters

Maintain stable reef conditions to keep this coral vibrant and healthy:

• Temperature: 24–26°C (75–78°F)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–10 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

Weekly water changes and trace element supplementation are recommended to support sustained encrusting growth.

---

⚠️ Placement Tips & Compatibility

The Encrusting Gorgonian is non-aggressive, but its fast spread can smother slower-growing corals if not controlled. Use frag plugs, isolated rock islands, or vertical surfaces to keep it contained.

It’s compatible with most peaceful corals and invertebrates. Avoid placing next to LPS or SPS corals with strong stinging abilities. To maintain long-term harmony, regular trimming or isolation is advised.

---

📦 What You’ll Receive

Your frag will include a healthy encrusting section of Erythropodium, typically attached to a frag plug or rubble rock. Each frag is aquacultured, and ready to grow out under the right conditions.

---

🌊 With its stunning colour, soft movement, and fast-spreading growth, the Encrusting Gorgonian is perfect for hobbyists wanting to cover rock faces or create a soft mat-like carpet in their reef aquarium. A must-have for those building dynamic, natural-looking reefscapes.