Gorgonians are a type of marine invertebrate belonging to the class Anthozoa and the order Alcyonacea. They are commonly known as sea fans or sea whips and are found in warm, shallow waters, particularly in coral reefs. Gorgonians have a flexible, branching structure made of a protein called gorgonin, which provides support and allows them to sway with ocean currents. These organisms are important for marine ecosystems as they provide habitat and shelter for various marine species, including fish and invertebrates. Gorgonians also play a role in nutrient cycling within their environments. They can be colorful and come in various shapes and sizes, contributing to the biodiversity of coral reef systems.