Octocorals with monopodial branching and an axial polyp from which all lateral daughter polyps arise.
There are five species belonging to 3 genera of clavulariid octocorals in the SAB. The species of Telesto represented in this region are often distinguished by the presence and orientation of the flat anthocodial rods in the polyp tentacles. These rods may be difficult to see, especially if the polyps are retracted into the calyces. Variability in these features can be seen not only within colonies, but also within individual polyps. It appears that if larvae are present within the calyces the polyps are reduced in size, making it difficult to distinguish the orientation of the tentacular rods. Relaxing the polyps prior to preservation may make identification easier (see methods).
Both forms of Scleranthelia rugosahave an encrusting growth form that make them difficult to recognize in situ.

5a. – Base of tentacle with dense cluster of sclerites (>10) extending up to half the length of the rachis; body wall sclerites mostly blunt, branching granules, no elongate spindles. Color yellow, orange, pink or red

Telesto fruticulosa Dana, 1846

Polyp of Telesto fruticulosa, showing sclerites only in proximal region of rachis

5b. – Base of tentacle with sparse cluster of sclerites (<10) not extending into rachis; body wall sclerites are blunt granules and elongate spindles. Color yellowish-brown

Telesto nelleae Bayer, 1961

no image of polyp available