The California Golden Gorgonian, or “Muricea Californica,” often referred to as “Sea Fans,” make their home right here throughout the rocky reefs of Southern California on down to Panama.
They are beautiful to look at and if you have spent any amount of time skin diving here around Catalina Island then you certainly would agree.
Just what are these magnificent creatures and how do they survive? Did you know that the California Golden Gorgonian is a colonial organism made up of thousands of tiny polyps?
These polyps possess the ability to clone one another, effectively establishing an entire community genetically identical to each other. All “Sea Fans” start with just one single polyp.
Now how is that for starters?
Their diet consist primarily of detritus and plankton that is brought to them through prevailing ocean currents, which is why they position themselvs upon reefs perpendicular to the current flow.
As always, I hope my readers had as much fun as I did as we explored down below with our friend the “Sea Fan.”
Lets take a look at the weather outside shall we … This afternoon through Sunday North West winds 5 to 15 knots. Wind waves 2 ft or less.
Expect plenty of sunshine once the weekend arrives with a high of 68 Degrees. Please play it safe out there and always check current ocean conditions. When In Doubt Don’t Go Out!
