How Long Does It Take for a Giant Gorgonian to Reach Full Size?

Whenever I see a large gorgonian while diving, I always wonder the same thing: how long did it take to grow this big?

The answer is fascinating. Gorgonians are slow-growing corals, and a large colony can take decades to develop.

In the Mediterranean, some gorgonians may grow only a few centimeters per year. So when I come across a colony more than a meter wide, I know I’m looking at something that may have been growing for many years, possibly several decades.

What affects gorgonian growth?

Growth depends on several factors, including water temperature, depth, currents, food availability, and the health of the colony.

Currents are especially important because the tiny polyps that form the gorgonian feed on plankton and particles carried by the water.

Why are giant gorgonians so special?

A large gorgonian isn’t just a beautiful underwater coral. Its branches provide shelter for many marine organisms, while the colony itself may have been growing in the same place for decades.

That slow growth also makes gorgonians vulnerable to damage from anchors, fishing gear, storms, or accidental contact.

When I photograph these remarkable Mediterranean gorgonians, I always try to keep my distance and never touch them.

Knowing that a giant gorgonian may have taken decades to grow makes every encounter with one underwater even more special.