Muricea laxa - (Tan / Orange Spiny Sea Rod)
Rad shape. Rad color. Rad rod.
What You Get
Muricea laxa is a hardy photosynthetic gorgonian known for its upright, branching structure and warm coloration. Its branches range from tan to soft orange, often with subtle spines or knobby texture. When polyps extend, they add a layer of tan or rust-colored fuzz along the branches, giving the colony a vibrant, sunlit look under full-spectrum reef lighting.
Like many photosynthetic gorgonians, this species periodically sheds a thin layer of outer tissue to clear algae and sediment. It is a completely normal and healthy self-cleaning behavior. With strong flow and stable lighting, this Sea Rod is an easy, rewarding addition to mixed reef aquariums.
Why It’s GORGeous
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Color: Warm tan to orange branches with soft, contrasting polyps.
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Growth Form: Upright “sea rod” structure adds height and natural reef architecture.
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Photosynthetic: Thrives under full-spectrum light thanks to symbiotic zooxanthellae.
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Movement: Polyp extension creates a subtle waving texture in moderate to strong flow.
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Care: Hardy, forgiving, and excellent for both beginners and seasoned reefkeepers.
Sizing & Availability
Each specimen arrives mounted on a reef plug and typically ranges from 4–8 inches tall. Exact shape, branching pattern, and fullness vary naturally depending on collection site and seasonal conditions. Generally available year-round, though size may shift with tides, weather, and habitat.
Traits
Color Tan to orange; tan/rust polyps
Ease Easy–Intermediate
Classification Photosynthetic gorgonian (Sea Rod)
Nutrient Uptake None. It's a gorg. ;)
Use Display specimen
Lighting Moderate–High (full-spectrum)
Flow Moderate–Strong
Availability Generally available
A Note from the Collectors:
Every gorgonian we offer is hand-collected, acclimated, and observed by our team before shipping. While we carefully try to remove algae, sponges, and tiny hitchhikers, it’s possible that a few “goodies” from the reef may tag along. It's a natural part of receiving genuine wild-collected specimens!
Photosynthetic gorgonians like Muricea laxa may occasionally shed a thin layer of tissue as part of their normal maintenance. This “peeling” is healthy and often followed by improved polyp extension once the new surface is exposed. This shedding is very common during and right after shipping.
We ship via 2-Day service on Mondays and Tuesdays only to ensure specimens arrive healthy. Tracking information is provided as soon as your order ships.
