Plexaurella | |
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Coral reef assembly with Plexaurella nutans at right back | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Cnidaria |
Class: | Anthozoa |
Subclass: | |
Order: | Alcyonacea |
Suborder: | Holaxonia |
Family: | Plexauridae |
Genus: |
Plexaurella Kölliker, 1865 |
Species | |
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Plexaurella is a genus of gorgonian-type 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.
The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species in the genus: