Tropical western Atlantic, including Florida and the Caribbean, on shallow reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Moderate to strong, alternating
Care
Plexaura homomalla is the black sea rod, a Caribbean gorgonian with dark brown to black, flexible branches covered in brown polyps. It is photosynthetic, which makes it one of the easier gorgonians to keep. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. Placement: middle of the rockwork in moderate to high light and moderate to strong, alternating flow, which sways the branches and brings food. Water: typical reef parameters (about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12). Gorgonians are not CITES-listed. Aquacultured Caribbean sea rods are available. Sources: general reef-keeping guidance only; neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists it. Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, but it also takes fine foods such as phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Breeding
Easy. Cut a branch with scissors, remove a little tissue from the base to expose the core and glue it into a plug or hole in the rock with gel superglue.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful. It contains chemical defences that deter many grazers, but flamingo tongue snails eat sea rods.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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