Tropical western Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
expert
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Not photosynthetic; light only for viewing
Flow
Strong, alternating
Care
Swiftia exserta is a red sea fan, a non-photosynthetic gorgonian from the western Atlantic with bright red branches and pale or white polyps. It usually comes from deeper water and needs regular feeding, so it is a challenge. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. Placement: in a shaded spot such as a cave or under an overhang, with strong, alternating flow across the fan so food reaches the polyps. Water: typical reef parameters (about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12) with good water quality despite the heavy feeding needed. Gorgonians are not CITES-listed. Sources: general reef-keeping guidance only; neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists it. Checked October 2026.
Diet
Non-photosynthetic: it needs daily feeding with fine foods such as copepods, rotifers, oyster eggs or baby brine shrimp.
Breeding
Cut a healthy branch, expose a little core at the base and glue it into a plug or hole in the rock with gel superglue.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful. Keep it away from stinging corals.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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