Sea fans & gorgonians

Plexauridae

Gorgonian sea fans are some of the most photogenic structures on the reef — vivid reds, yellows, and purples fanning out in the current. Look closely and you'll find pygmy seahorses, basket stars, and other tiny creatures hiding among the branches.

Last updated April 2026

Species

Violescent sea-whip

Paramuricea clavata(32 photos)

VulnerableUp to 100 cm15–60mRocky reef

A magnificent fan-shaped colony of purple-red polyps on a flexible, branching skeleton. The Med's most iconic gorgonian, turning deep walls into underwater gardens.

Grows on current-swept walls below 15m, oriented perpendicular to the flow — extremely fragile and slow-growing. Maintain buoyancy to avoid damaging colonies.

Observed at

Ullastres I(Palamós)Tascó Petit(Illes Medes)Pedra de Déu(Illes Medes)Ullastres II(Palamós)Els Canons de Tamariu(Begur)

Giant sea fan

Subergorgia hicksoni(12 photos)

Up to 200 cm15–50mCoral reef

An enormous fan-shaped colony that can span over a meter — yellow-brown to grey, with thick branches forming a mesh-like structure. Red Sea and Indian Ocean species.

Found on current-exposed walls and pinnacles in deeper water, often housing small fish and crabs within its branches.

Giant sea fan, Pipefish, Violescent sea-whip

Observed at

Shabrur Umm Gamar(Hurghada)Jackson reef(Sharm El Sheikh)Gorgonian Garden(Hurghada)

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