Description:
False sea fans are thickly branching gorgonians that usually grow in one plane.  Branches may be slightly flattened, with color ranging from orange or red to purple.  Polyps are white and alternate along the branches in rows.  Older branches show distinct grooves between rows of polyps. Typical adult size of Leptogorgia hebes is 6 inches  to 1.5 feet.

Habitat:
Rock and limestone ledges are preferred substrata for false sea fans. Shallow water populations of this species are able to withstand moderate wave exposure.

Range:
The false sea fan occurs from North Carolina to Brazil, including both coasts of Florida. Depth distribution typically  ranges between 25 - 130 ft.  In the vicinity of the Indian River Lagoon, it occurs in inlet areas and in nearshore reefs off east central Florida.