Red Sea Fan
Rojo Mar Abanico, Arbolitos del Mar
(Gorgonia adamsi)

Red Sea Fan, Gorgonia adamsi: The Red Sea Fan is a member of the Gorgoniidae Family and has a growth pattern whereby all branches grow in one plane, interlocking to form a flat lattice structure, originating from a single holdfast and a single stem.

The Red Sea Fan ranges in size from 4 inches to 18 inches with approximately equal width and height. Interestingly, the Red Sea Fan is found in areas with very strong currents, orienting ifself with the flat side directly facing the prevailing current. The range of the Red Sea Fan within Mexican waters is unknown, but it is reportedly found only in the Sea of Cortez. From a scientific perspective little is known about this soft coral.

 

 

 

 

 

Red Sea Fan picture 1

Red Sea Fan picture 2

Red Sea Fan, Gorgonia adamsi: Photos courtesy of John Snow.

Red Sea Fan picture 3

Red Sea Fan, Gorgonia adamsi: Collected while bottom fishing. Caught with Capt. Pata in the panga Salomé, 25 miles north of La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 73-degree water, in April 2003, in 100-foot deep water, on a traditional yo-yo iron. Size, approximately 18 inches.

Disclaimer: This identification should be considered tentative due to the very remote location of the collection Latitude 23 degrees 1 minute North and Longitude 109 degrees 3 minutes West) and the water depth cited. We believe there has been very little scientific focus on this area of the world and therefore supporting scientific documentation is not available. We welcome additional information on this coral from anyone who cares to contact us. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.

Mexico Fishing Home Page < Marine Life Flora and Fauna Photo List < Red Sea Fan

Copyright ©