What Are Gorgonian Corals? - Types of Gorgonians (2025)

Gorgonians are types of coral which are found in the order Alcyonacea. This order is commonly known as soft corals, containing corals known as sea fans or sea whips. Rather than a distinct taxonomic category, gorgonian corals are an informally grouped subset of corals which are defined by their structure. This is a structure made largely of a fibrous protein known as gorgonin. This allows them to grow distinct branches which provides shelter and other benefits to a wide range of marine life. Rather than one separate organism, gorgonians are colonial animals.

To learn more about these fascinating cnidarians, AnimalWised asks what are gorgonian corals? We look at their characteristics, as well as provide types and examples of gorgonians which can be found in the world's oceans.

Also known simply as gorgonians, gorgonian corals are types of coral found in the order Alcyonacea. This order is also known as soft corals, many of the individual species being known as sea fans or sea whips. It can be a little difficult to classify gorgonians because they are not a distinct taxonomic group. Rather, they are an informal subset of Alcyonacea.

Despite no specific taxonomic classification, gorgonian corals have distinct characteristics. This is mainly due to their structure. They are a colony of cnidarian organisms made of polyps, the juvenile form of these animals. Their common name derives from the scleroprotein (fibrous protein) from which which their axis is made. This protein is known as gorgonin. It gives the coral both structural support and flexibility.

While similar to other soft corals, they are made distinct by their branching structures which are afforded by the presence of gorgonin. They may also be made of calcite, although not always. Although their appearance may resemble plants, gorgonians are animals that are part of coral reefs and play a crucial role in many marine ecosystems. They are key in shaping these communities by providing shelter for other animals and organisms.

Gorgonians live mainly in tropical and subtropical waters, where they attach themselves to hard substrates such as rocks or dead corals. Their fan shape allows them to efficiently capture nutrients and plankton from marine currents. They are sessile, meaning they don't move once they are attached to a certain substrate.

As we have explained, gorgonians are distinct from other types of soft corals. Some characteristics of gorgonian corals which determine their distinction include:

• Branched structure: they have branching growths from their central axis which resemble the limbs of certain trees. These structures can be fanned, feathered or even whip-like in some cases. These branches grow in a single plane to maximize food capture.
• Flexible skeleton: unlike hard corals, gorgonians have an internal skeleton composed of gorgonin and/or calcite. This allows them flexibility, moving with the currents without breaking.
• Vibrant Colors: gorgonians can come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from reds and purples to yellows and whites. This males them a visually distinct and appealing feature on coral reefs.
• Symbiosis with algae: some species of gorgonians establish symbiotic relationships with microalgae (zooxanthellae), providing them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Specific habitat: they prefer clear and well-oxygenated waters, where ocean currents allow them to filter plankton more efficiently.

Learn more about how these organisms are characterized with our article asking is coral a plant or animal?

There are numerous species of gorgonians, each with their own unique characteristics. Some of the many types of gorgonians can be found in the following families:

• Gorgoniidae: includes species such as white gorgonian (Eunicella singularis) and the common sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina). They have a calcareous central axis and fan-shaped branches. These species are common in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
• Plexauridae: includes species such as the black sea rod (Plexaura homomalla) and members of the genus Pseudoplexaura. They have thicker branches and are often brightly colored, being particularly abundant in the Caribbean.
• Isididae (bamboo coral): these are gorgonians that have a central axis composed of calcareous segments that resemble bamboo, such as those of Isidella elongata.
• Primnoidae: includes deep and cold water species such as red tree coral (Primnoa spp.). They have delicate branches and are common in the North Atlantic and Pacific.
• Anthothelidae: are deep water species, such as greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora). They have small colonies and sparse branching.

Each type of gorgonian has specific adaptations to its environment, allowing them to survive in different conditions of light, temperature and ocean currents. While most corals are known to inhabit tropical and temperate waters, some types of gorgonians can be found in cold waters.

While we have shared some of the families which make up the subset of soft corals known as gorgonians, we now look at some example gorgonian species:

• Violescent sea-whip (Paramuricea clavata): a Mediterranean species that forms large red, branched colonies that can reach up to one metre in height. It is a bioindicator species, meaning its presence helps to determine the health of a marine ecosystem.
• Yelllow gorgonian (Diodogorgia nodulifera): with a bright yellow hue, these gorgonians are common in the Caribbean and western Atlantic.
• Common sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina): also known as the purple sea fan, this species is abundant in the Caribbean and stands out for its purple color and flat fan shape.
• Yellow sea whip (Eunicella cavolini): a white or yellow gorgonian that inhabits the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic.
• White gorgonian (Eunicella singularis): also known as the Mediterranean gorgonian. It is common in the Mediterranean Sea and is part of rocky bottom and reef ecosystems.
• Caribbean sea plume (Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae): this gorgonian coral species is found in the Caribbean and is known for its medicinal properties, as it is used in the pharmaceutical industry.

All corals are types of animal which belong to the same phylum. Learn more about what this means with our article asking what are cnidarians?

An interesting behavior of the different types of gorgonian corals is that they can reproduce in two different ways:

• Sexual reproduction: gorgonians can release gametes (eggs and sperm) into the water, where external fertilization occurs. Fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae before settling on a suitable substrate and forming a new colony.
• Asexual reproduction: they can also reproduce by fragmentation or budding. This is where a piece of the colony breaks off and grows as a new individual. This method is common in environments with strong currents that can break the branches of the gorgonian.

Both methods of reproduction allow gorgonian corals to colonize new habitats and maintain their populations on reefs. Learn more about what is asexual reproduction in animals with our related article.

• Blouet, S., Bramanti, L., & Guizien, K. (2024). Ecological niche modeling of five gorgonian species within the shallow rocky habitat of the french mediterranean coast. Vie et Milieu/Life & Environment, 7(1-2), 1-43.
• Cassetti, O., Azzola, A., Bianchi, C.N., Morri, C., Oprandi, A., & Montefalcone, M. (2025). Different impact of a severe storm on two gorgonian species. Marine Environmental Research, 204, 106917.
• Sarda, J., Gori, A., Doñate-Ordóñez, R., Viladrich, N., Costantini, F., Garrabou, J., & Linares, C. (2025). Recurrent marine heatwaves compromise the reproduction success and long-term viability of shallow populations of the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis. Marine Environmental Research, 203, 106822.