4a.
– Octocorals with axial structures composed of free sclerites.
Stem divided into outer cortex and inner spiculated medulla, with
ring of boundary canals between.
Suborder Scleraxonia………Family
Anthothelidae

Diodogorgia
nodulifera cross-section, showing a) cortex; b) medulla; and
c) boundary canals
|
4b. – Octocorals
with axial structures not composed of free sclerites; horny axis
with a distinct core which may be solid, or hollow and cross-chambered
..........................................5


top: calicified, solid axis of Ctenocella
(Ellisella) barbadensis; bottom: hollow axis
of Leptogorgia virgulata, showing cross-chambered core
|