Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 19, 2026

Plexaurella

Plexaurella is a genus of gorgonian-type octocorals in the family Plexauridae. Species of the genus are typically characterised by their slit-pores, however, there are some which lack this distinguishing feature. Sclerite examination is necessary for species identification, which reveals the characteristic 4-rayed 'butterfly' spicules of the cortex and the lack of purple sclerites in the axial sheath.

Last revised
Jun 19, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
203 w
Citations
4
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Plexaurella
Coral reef assembly with Plexaurella nutans at right back
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Subphylum: Anthozoa
Class: Octocorallia
Order: Malacalcyonacea
Family: Plexauridae
Genus: Plexaurella
Kölliker, 1865 1
Species
See text

Plexaurella is a genus of gorgonian-type octocorals in the family Plexauridae. Species of the genus are typically characterised by their slit-pores, however, there are some which lack this distinguishing feature (e.g. P. grisea).2 Sclerite examination is necessary for species identification, which reveals the characteristic 4-rayed 'butterfly' spicules of the cortex and the lack of purple sclerites in the axial sheath.2

Species

The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species in the genus:1

References

References

  1. van Ofwegen, Leen (2010). "Plexaurella Kölliker, 1865". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
  2. Bayer, FM 1961. Shallow water Octocorallia of the West Indian Region. Studies of the fauna of Curacao and other Caribbean islands. 55.