The red Gorgonia has a benthic adult phase (attached to the substrate) and a planktonic larval phase that aims to spread the species to other areas. They’re a set of hermaphrodite polyps that reproduce asexually which expand longitudinally to create an ever-larger colony.
Additionally they can reproduce sexually by releasing male and female reproductive cells that are fertilized externally. The larva that is created will disperse through the currents until it finds a suitable place to settle and grow.
This process takes place every year in our coast around mid-June.
Small purple eggs can be seen around the gorgonians, which in turn makes the reefs extra vibrant and special to look at!