Gorgonacea is an order of sessile colonial cnidarian found
throughout the oceans of the world, especially in the tropics and subtropics.
Gorgonians are also known as sea whips or sea fans and are similar to the sea
pen, another soft coral. Individual tiny polyps form colonies that are normally
erect, flattened, branching, and reminiscent of a fan. Others may be whiplike,
bushy, or even encrusting. A colony can be several feet high and across but
only a few inches thick. They may be brightly coloured, often purple, red, or
yellow. Photosynthetic gorgonians can be successfully kept in captive reef
aquariums. The name "Gorgonacea" is no longer considered valid and
Alcyonacea is now the accepted name for the order.
