Description:
The sea whip is a moderately branching gorgonian whose colonies have whip-like stalks.  Polyps occur in multiple rows along 2 sides of each branch.  Branch color is variable and may range from shades of purple, red, orange or yellow.  Polyps are white. Typical adult size is 6 inches to 1.5 feet.

Habitat:
Preferred substrata for Leptogorgia virgulata are rock and limestone ledges. Depth range is 10 - 70 feet. 

Range:
Sea whips occur from New York south to Brazil.  In the Indian River Lagoon, it occurs on ledges, in inlets, and in the intracoastal waterway.