Aphanipathes [SEP] parent taxon
Aphanipathes
Aphanipathes is a diverse genus of black corals in the family Aphanipathidae, typified by large polypar spines. However, there are some disagreement in the correct taxonomic classification of this genus. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) classifies "Aphanipathes" as being a genus of the family Aphanipathidae while the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) classifies it as a genus of the family Antipathidae. 
Most commonly found in subtropic and tropic regions, this genus of coral lives in colonies on the continental slope of the ocean floor
reduced hypostomal spines. Comparing four members of the genus, as described by Opresko, "Aphanipathes sarothamnoides", "Aphanipathes salix", "Aphanipathes verticillata", and "Aphanipathes pedata" all exhibit bushy, irregular branching corallum with mostly straight, elongated, upward branches.
Members of this genus tend to have uniserially arranged branches and branchlets, except for "A. salix." "A. columbiana" colonies take a fan-shape that exhibits 9th order and greater branching with colonies growing in height usually less than 12 cm