{"id":11542,"date":"2026-02-17T22:56:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T22:56:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/red-finger-gorgonia-lophogorgia-nodulifera\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T22:56:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T22:56:22","slug":"red-finger-gorgonia-lophogorgia-nodulifera","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=red-finger-gorgonia-lophogorgia-nodulifera","title":{"rendered":"Red Finger Gorgonia Lophogorgia Nodulifera"},"content":{"rendered":"

Red Finger Gorgonia (Lophogorgia nodulifera)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as the Red Sea Whip Coral or Red Tree Gorgonian)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Red Finger Gorgonia (Lophogorgia nodulifera<\/em>) is a stunning non-photosynthetic soft coral<\/strong> known for its deep red to orange branches<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, relying entirely on planktonic foods for nourishment. While visually striking, it is challenging to maintain<\/strong> and best suited for experienced reef keepers who can provide frequent feeding and stable, pristine water conditions.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As a non-photosynthetic suspension feeder<\/strong>, the Red Finger Gorgonia requires regular direct feeding<\/strong> with small, planktonic foods. In the aquarium, feed 3\u20135 times per week<\/strong> (daily if possible) with:<\/p>\n

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    Live or concentrated phytoplankton<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Marine snow or liquid coral foods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Rotifers and microzooplankton<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Fine powdered coral foods (e.g. Reef-Roids, Reef Energy AB+)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Target feeding is most effective \u2014 gently direct food toward extended polyps using a pipette or turkey baster during low-flow periods. Consistent feeding is essential for long-term survival.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

    Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moderate to strong, indirect flow.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

    Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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    • \n

      Place in the mid to lower sections<\/strong> of the aquarium, ideally in a shaded or overhung area.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Secure the base firmly into rockwork or substrate to prevent shifting in flow.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Ensure surrounding corals do not come into contact with its branches, as irritation or tissue damage may occur.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Peaceful and reef safe.<\/strong> Compatible with:<\/p>\n

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      • \n

        Small, non-aggressive reef fish (gobies, blennies, firefish, cardinalfish)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, snails, and sea stars<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Most corals, provided adequate space is given<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Avoid:<\/p>\n

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        • \n

          Large angelfish, butterflyfish, or other species known to pick at coral polyps<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Aggressive LPS or stinging corals (e.g. Euphyllia, Galaxea) nearby<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          Peaceful.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

          Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

          Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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          • \n

            Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201326\u00b0C (75\u201379\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Hardness (dKH):<\/strong> 8\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Calcium:<\/strong> 400\u2013450 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 75 gallons (280L)<\/strong> for stability and feeding consistency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Maintain high water quality, consistent feeding, and strong nutrient export via skimming or refugium.<\/p>\n

            Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Reef safe.<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":11541,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[151],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11542","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-gorgonia","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/11542","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=11542"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=11542"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=11542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}