[DAVE G.]

I bought a gorgian about a month ago,the next week (too late?)I readup on it after it started flaking!Like a sponge it's not suppose to hit air.I told the guy at the LFS and got an OH! SO maybe a new lesson for them as well?? Anyway>is it possible<it went bare about 2" from the base!It's still alive-I have been kepping a close eye on it and it has already grown back toward the base about a half"!Has anyone had this happen and can I do anything to help it?
THANKS,
DMG

[adron420]

Depends what type of Gorgonian it is. I have one that sheds its entire skin every now and then. If it is showing signs of improvment it may make a come back. i would definitely find out whether or not its phtosynthetic and to what degree and what type of feeding it requires. Although I cant say you need to do this, in the past I have clipped away the damaged branches to allow for new tissue to regrow. Yours may regrow right on top of the old branch. If you can identify the genus it may help. HTH

[DAVE G.]

I'll have to find the specs. on it but the whole base is bare and I'm hoping it will just contiune to grow toward the base as it is at this time! thanks for your response

[icemark]

Depends on the type. I have been raising some that are called Purple Finger or Dead Mans Finger Gorgonians that shed about once a month. Its almost like a growth thing because they seem to be much bigger after each shed.

Many Gorgonians typically shed to rid themseleves of either algae or bactirial growth on the outside. Sudden major water changes can also initiate the shed.

If it sheds and then the polyps are back out right away I wouldn't worry, but if it keeps shedding and the polyps are not poping back out, or its loosing flesh in the shed, then something is quite wrong.

[DAVE G.]

"QUITE WRONG" I see the what just looks like a stick and the pylops hardly come out?but the flesh is growing back over the skelelton? It is purple, no true idenity yet will work on it-got to get a dig. cam.!

[DAVE G.]

I have seen the polyps tottaly come out they just wnat stay out,I'm gonna try feeding some baby brine shrimp.The best I can tell it looks like a Lace gorg.- are there purple ones?

[icemark]

Yep purple, although unless you have strong light, they tend to fade to brown.

Until you know what it is, assume it is predatory and feed it heavy.

Although it’s only a rule of thumb, IMO if the polyps have color (brown, purple, gold, Etc.) I figure it will need decent light as well as regular feedings (like an anemone).

[DAVE G.]

Hey ice what is IMO the polyps are gold and seem to have came out pretty good today, but not for long-it's 2:22am and some are out now!
It seems to of covered a little more of the skeleton today- I measure by the limbs and at this point it has reached one and I hope it will make its way down and cover the base! thanks DMG

[landescaper]

Dave,
Does it look like either of these? Front or back?

[icemark]

Dave

IMO= In My Opinion
IMHO= In My Humble Opinion.

Sounds like maybe its just taking a while to get use to your water and tank conditions.

[DAVE G.]

thanks -yea man two and half months and counting,a friend gave me live rock to get started but he's not into corals!(live rock is over a year old w/great growth)
Mine is shaped like the one on the left,but exact color of the one on the right!This BB is priceless!? I fed it this morning,polyps came out and then dissapeared.
THANKS
DMG

[landescaper]

Originally posted by DAVE G.
Mine is shaped like the one on the left,but exact color of the one on the right!

Pseudopterogorgia sp. probably americana. It acting normal. You didn't mention lighting. When it's had enough, it will close back up. Don't burn it up.

Jerel