Plexaurella [SEP] parent taxon
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 (e.g. "P. grisea"). 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.
Species.
The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species in the genus:
- "Plexaurella
crassa"
- "Plexaurella curvata"
- "Plexaurella dichotoma"
- "Plexaurella furcata"
- "Plexaurella grandiflora"
- "Plexaurella grisea"
- "Plexaurella heteropora"
- "Plexaurella kunzei"
- "Plexaurella minuta"
- "Plexaurella nutans"
- "Plexaurella regia"
- "Plexaurella tenuis"
- "Plexaurella teres"
- "Plexaurella vermiculata"