There are many species of photosynthetic gorgonians accessible but here we are discussing only a few of them that are easy to keep and survives well in captivity. One of the best tyro gorgonians is Briareum. This coral is in fact an auburn relative of green star polyps and not a proper gorgonian. Its common name is Corky Finger and it is normally available at many LFS and online retailers. This coral can endure a diversity of lighting, flow, and water a quality condition, which makes it a great option for beginners or a fresh aquarium.
Even if your tank goes out of power for two days all other livestocks may perish but the Briareum will survive. It grows up well once settled into the tank, with very fluffy polyps more or less similar to a species of Xenia. It is best to keep this coral erect or at least in an area of its own, with nominal contact with your main rock work as it can cover onto rocks and become rather enveloping. In the wild it is regular for Briareum to grow onto other corals and suffocate them, so it is essential to keep that in mind when placing this beautiful species in your aquarium.
Muriceopsis is also a good choice as a novice gorgonian. It looks like big purple fluffs and in the wild it grows into outsized bushes a few feet in height. This gorgonian is rather soft and swings in the current, making it a nice coral to add if you are on the lookout for more movement in your reef tank. It is very easy to maintain and will endure numerous diverse tank conditions. It does prefer strong lighting and will thrive well under Metal Halide, T5, and LED lighting. Since Muriceopsis grows well in reef tanks and is hardy, it is a good aspirant for fragging. This type of gorgonian can also stand somewhat lower flow conditions making it a harmless preference for seahorse and pipefish species aquarium.
Pterogorgia gorgonians, commonly known as purple blade gorgonians, are distinctive looking with hairy brown polyps and deep purple, rangy branches. This species are found in very shallow tidal lagoons in the wild so it is best kept under strong lighting and fairly high flow.
If you don’t give them enough of flow they might start to look unhealthy which gives most people an impression that they are difficult to thrive in captivity. But once you give them plenty of flow they will stay open all the time with excellent polyp extension. Their extraordinary manifestation is very arresting and can help add some appealing straight up features to your reef tank.
Antillogorgia are a very supple fern-like gorgonian that are less often obtainable, but make an amazing addition if you can find a good provider. Though the purple variety of this species is more frequently obtainable in the hobby, beautiful golden-plume hued species is the best one you must go for. This coral is very soft, even slimy when handled and the best part is that they are really distinct. By look it seems to be fragile, but is in fact quite hardy. It will do finest under strong light and good flow. Since it is so soft it is repeatedly in motion when kept in a tank with good current.
Plexaurella gorgonians are accessible in a few diverse colors from violet to cream to nearly black. These are smooth branching gorgonian with plentiful light colored polyps. Though not as frequently obtainable to the hobby as some of the preceding gorgonians, they will make an excellent addition to any reef tank. This species are likely to be cheaper than purple Plexaura, but it shares the same spread out branching growth pattern and is a genuine splendor.
Plexaura flexuosa is the best amongst all photosynthetic gorgonians. It has possibly the brightest purple flush of any of the gorgonians with smooth branches that are covered in hundreds of hairy, tan polyps. The common name is purple candelabra and smaller specimens of this species do certainly remind you of a fancy candlestick holder. This gorgonian grows up to several feet tall in the wild in large bushes and is fast growing. Plexaura is not often available in the hobby because it is hard to find in small sizes in the wild and is rarely collected by divers. This coral does well in tanks with strong, variable flow and moderate to high lighting.