Sea Stalk Briareum (Briareum sp.)

The Sea Stalk Briareum is also referred to as the Corky Sea Fingers, Deadman's Fingers, Moss Coral, Encrusting Gorgonian, or simply Briareum. It has long, grass-like polyps which are normally extended continuously, retracted only when disturbed. Briareum asbestinum can have multiple forms including encrusting, flat or knobby crusts, or upright branches as pictured above. The polyps will vary in many color variations, size, and shape.

Briareum is fast growing and care should be taken in placing the Sea Stalk Briareum within the aquarium, allowing ample room for expansion and any interference from other neighboring corals. It is moderately easy to maintain and propagate when encrusted to substrate rubble. It requires medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will require the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Some species of Briareum are toxic.

It is highly photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which it receives most of its nutrients, but may also capture some particulate matter.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2.5" to 4"; Medium: 4" to 6"; Large: More than 6"

Care details

• Temperature: 72 - 78° F
• Specific Gravity: 1.023-1.025
• Color: Orange, Purple, Tan, Green and Black
• Family: Briareidae