taxonID	type	description	language	source
3257DACCB3E9547D46FF188BA75C5B23.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Genus originally included in family Plexauridae (Bayer 1958). Presence of moderately thick coenenchyme; polyps communicate directly with system of longitudinal canals. Exterior coenenchyme contains derivatives of short, stout capstans called double wheels / discs; large, leaf-like expansions (on one side) up to 0.15 mm long; spindles with tubercles in transverse rows, to 0.2 mm, some developed as leaf clubs. Interior layers of coenenchyme contain only spindles. Anthocodiae weakly to moderately armed with flat rods, 0.15 - 0.3 mm long.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
3257DACCB3E9547D46FF188BA75C5B23.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Adelo- is Greek for unknown. When Bayer described this genus in 1958 it was a new, unknown gorgonian genus; however, Bayer did not discuss the derivation.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
AD558DD16964C3B6F514F21F5643214B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 26 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). All specimens at USNM were examined for comparison purposes.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
AD558DD16964C3B6F514F21F5643214B.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figure 1) heavy; bushy to fan-shaped, branching strictly in single plane, particularly in young colonies (≤ 20 cm height), but with branches occasionally growing irregularly as colony gets older (up to 0.6 m in height, usually less than 0.3 m); branching dichotomous, irregular and lateral, not pinnate (Figure 2 A), with knobby to smooth branches. Color of live colony red or orange-red, polyps yellow to yellow-orange; axis slender, orange. Dry specimens brilliant red, rusty red, maroon-rust to black. Branches 2.0 - 4.5 mm in diameter, ascending into a meandering, sinuous form; terminal branches short (3.0 - 4.0 cm), slightly swollen at distal ends (Figure 2 B). Trunk diameter measures up to ~ 6.0 mm. Axis in dead / dry specimens, within all branches of older part of colony, black, smooth, without conspicuous striations; in branches of younger portions of colony, maroon. Outer layer of axis abundantly loculate, texture of axis weak, flexible in terminal portion of branches, rather brittle in base area. Polyps with weak operculum, composed of two to four curved spindles in every segment, arranged en chevron; sclerites in polyps not arranged transversely, not forming collaret. Polyps able to retract down to surface or upper marginal edge of low to moderate calyces, these moderately elevated as low bumps off branch surface (0.5 - 0.8 mm tall, 1.2 mm across), situated some 2.0 - 2.5 mm distance apart, distributed over entire surface of all branches; margin of calyces not dentate. Sclerites (Figure 3) of polyps straight or curved rods, sculptured with simple conical warts, arranged en chevron, two to four sclerites at base of each tentacle. Coenenchyme spiculation in two layers; layers determined by shape of sclerites seen in each. Exterior layers of coenenchyme with stout capstans (0.1 mm), and spindles (0.2 mm); (latter more common), some less commonly present as having leaves or scales over one surface; few appear as leaf clubs. Numerous sclerites with sculpturing on one side modified into leafy projections (double-discs) as seen in Figure 3 B (appear occasionally as sclerites analogous to disc-spindles of Eugorgia); in many cases, sclerites (0.1 - 0.15 mm) strongly characteristic of this form; proportion of leafy sclerites to ordinary ones in outer layer of coenenchyme varies only slightly. Ordinary ones are most abundant, while leafy ones, though sometimes rare, are always present. Axial sheath (interior layer of coenenchyme) contains symmetrical spindles (0.16 mm) only; no capstans, clubs or leafy scales. Sclerites of outer layer red; of inner layer nearly colorless.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
AD558DD16964C3B6F514F21F5643214B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The root phyllo- (Greek) = leaf; sclero- (Greek) = hard scale. Species is unusual in the leafy appearance of one sclerite type, a key characteristic in identifying the species. However, Bayer gave no explanation for either genus or species names.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
AD558DD16964C3B6F514F21F5643214B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Based on collection location data, from Upper Baja, California to southern California. Generally known from La Jolla area of southern California. One specimen from Catalina Island, Bird Rock, SBMNH 51252 (one of several from Santa Catalina Island), indicates this species does range a bit north of La Jolla, California.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
AD558DD16964C3B6F514F21F5643214B.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Commonly encountered in southern California in kelp beds; depth range of 20 - 300 m (Gotshall 2005). An anecdotal note (J Ljubenkov, penciled notation on a species list) stated: " Adelogorgia phyllosclera is a deep water form; it is a major deep water gorgonian and replaces Muricea on sewage pipes " (verified by staff of LACSD and OCSD). Two specimens, USNM 50186 and SBMNH 422894 (Point Loma), support numerous epizootic anemones (perhaps Epizoanthus Gray, 1867). On others, a flat, grayish incrustation (perhaps bryozoan) can be seen. Some balanoid barnacles are present over the surface of some specimens examined, in the form of prominent cysts (" galls ") on the branches, which protrude out from the axis through a coenenchymal covering. One specimen (SBMNH 422893) harbors a small brittle star, wrapped around a portion of the main trunk. No zooxanthellae present in the tissues, particularly true of USNM 50186; specimen examined for their presence by Bayer.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5E340EF0AF4A18683E4BED2AF6928600.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 60 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5E340EF0AF4A18683E4BED2AF6928600.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figures 28, 29 A, 30 A, 31 A, 32 A, 33 A) shape can be a wide, broad, moderate to sparsely branched fan, typically in one plane or simple, unbranched; initial branching lateral, progressing to branches that tend to project more up than out; sometimes projecting / winding more in a " front " or " back " direction; with broader membranous base; main branches can divide repeatedly, all secondary branches off larger ones having same diameter; round in cross-section; distal ends often slightly swollen; see Figures 29 B, 30 B, 31 B, C (See Remarks below for further discussion of overall colony shape). Axis proteinaceous, generally well calcified, not very flexible, with hollow core. Color of axis variable between white, yellowish, and light brown. Color of living colony base, stem and branches bright coral red (orange-red), bright red, or dark red; red color enhanced by color of the sclerites, which are a bright, pale, transparent red. Polyps are (pale) yellow-colored when living; (Johnson and Snook (1927) stated the color of E. marki to be coral-red, with the living polyps yellowish white). When polyps visible in preserved specimens, they appeared white / cream. Coenenchyme moderately thick, rising in wall of polyp as eight very short folds. Polyps sit ~ 2.0 mm distant; polyps ~ 2.0 mm high, 1.0 mm broad, when extended; polyps fully retractile into coenenchyme surface, forming very low, rounded bumps (" polyp-mound "); aperture suggestive of a goblet / chalice shape; fortification of polyps weak. Kuekenthal (1913 a) stated that there are no calyces in this species, or at least are so negligible as to be virtually nonexistent (in describing Euplexaura marki, he indicated that there should be two transverse rings of large sclerites, one over folds in the polyp head and a second just below insertion of the tentacles). Sclerites of polyp body red, while sclerites of tentacles smaller, colorless, transparent, but of similar form. Occasionally, tentacle sclerites can be a bent spindle (Figures 34 A-C, 35 A-E, 36, 37 A 1 - 4, B 1 - 3, 38 A-E). Found initially in a specimen identified as this species (USNM 51500) was a sclerite form that was not clearly featured in sclerite descriptions for the genus, or other known species (Figures 34 A-C, 35 C, 36, 37 A 1, B 1, 38 B): in outer surface of branch coenenchyme lie sclerites whose basic form is a thick spindle, but on these sit two or more belts of very big, jagged warts. Through the development of these large warts, the spindle can have a contour that is nearly oval (these might be the tuberculate spheroids mentioned in original description; apparently a key sclerite form, for the genus Euplexaura, at least) to a distinct diamond shape. Occasionally, one can find on both ends of these spindles, dense triangular caps (Figure 34 A-C, 35 C, 36, 37 A 1, B 1, 38 B) separated by a smooth, usually thin, median waist, so that in this case, the term double spindle (double-head) could apply; these are characteristic and conspicuous of multiple specimens examined, and henceforth referred to as the double-dunce cap. Size of these outer spindles fluctuated considerably, with smallest only 0.05 mm in length, but often bigger (~ 0.2 mm). Those deeper into coenenchyme of branches had similar form, but warts were more rounded (Figures 35 B, 37 A 3, B 3, 38 C). All of the more superficial sclerites are red, making the strong bright red color of the colony fairly pronounced.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5E340EF0AF4A18683E4BED2AF6928600.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Species named in honor of EL Mark of Harvard University.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5E340EF0AF4A18683E4BED2AF6928600.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California; littoral and coast-abyssal (Kuekenthal, 1924, as Euplexaura marki). Johnson and Snook (1927) noted the species living in deep water, taken with a dredge; specimens were collected off the Oregon coast, and are either in the Oceanography Department of Oregon State University, or in the personal collection of FP Belcik. Nutting (1909) reported numerous collection points, at stations near San Nicolas Island, and for stations near Point Pinos Lighthouse, Monterey Bay. Likely, range extends from southern California to waters off Washington coast. There is the possibility that the species extends further north, to Alaska; further examinations of specimens from that area are in progress.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5E340EF0AF4A18683E4BED2AF6928600.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. An unidentified, anecdotal comment indicated that this form is seen in the assemblage of organisms found at the head of Carmel Submarine Canyon, located offshore at San Jose Creek Beach, near Carmel, California; considered part of a deep-water assemblage that begins to appear at depths between 21 - 30 m, where turbulence is minimal and fine sediments accumulate on surface irregularities of rock walls. Between 30 - 61 m, the fauna appears to change very little, suggesting that many of these deep-water forms extend to greater depths. The neotype designated here (SBMNH 423060, Figure 29) bears on several branches, enlargements that are in actuality gall-like growths, containing epizoic barnacles of the genus Conopea (likely Conopea galeata). This is a consistent, common obligate commensal barnacle of gorgonians (Langstroth and Langstroth 2000). On SBMNH 423069 (previously SBMNH 40612), a large cluster of commensal acorn barnacles was seen, on bare-axis portions of the branches. Another specimen, SBMNH 423078, had attached to its bare axis something having, in general appearance, the wooly, cotton-like spittle-bug mass that insects are known to produce on plant stems. Conspicuous brittle stars are intertwined on branches on the specimen from off Newport, Oregon, SBMNH 423073.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
230912756DCDFD5ACBDAC7B8DA2ADC3F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Tall, erect, generally planar colonies, bright red; if branched, lateral (not extensively branched, if present, at all), from single, basal stem. Upper branches slender, elongate, most slightly curved, distally less dense; denser proximally and lower in colony. Polyps fully retractile; on all sides of branches and stem, as numerous slightly rounded, low to flat protuberances. Sclerites also red; robust spindles, and radiates, some ellipsoidal to sub-spherical in shape; prominent sclerite a long spindle with prominent, cone-shaped caps at each end and obvious median " waist " (herein referenced with new terminology: the double-dunce cap or double-dunce). Contains a single species from the temperate eastern Pacific (generally, California to Washington; slight possibility of presence in Canadian (even Alaskan) waters).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
230912756DCDFD5ACBDAC7B8DA2ADC3F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Derived from the Greek chroma- referring to color, and the gorgonian generic name plexaura- in reference to the bright color of the colonies.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A79A5D4EF371F1281FCEADFF0FC99ECF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 10 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). Was unable to examine the type specimens, but utilized descriptions and images noted in Breedy et al. (2009).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A79A5D4EF371F1281FCEADFF0FC99ECF.taxon	description	Description. Collection lot examined, shown in Figures 4 (whole colony), 5 (branch magnified to show prominent polyps), 6 and 7 (sclerites, light microscopy and SEM, respectively), generally matches description given in Breedy et al. (2009: 17 - 20, 35). Color of branches tended generally to dark orangey-red, with coenenchyme base of polyp-mounds red, upper portion of polyp-mounds gold-orange; overall impression is that colony is basically red. Sclerites (Figure 6) either bright to deep red or yellow-green in color, mixed together. In some instances an individual sclerite can be bicolored (red at one end, other end yellow-green); sclerites as double discs, relatively large; inner wheels thin, with sharp edges, outer ones terminal, not half as large, also sharp-edged (Figure 7 A) (see remarks below).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A79A5D4EF371F1281FCEADFF0FC99ECF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. As recorded by Verrill (1868 a and 1868 b [1869]) found in Panama and the Pearl Islands, 11 - 15 m (this according to FH Bradley); also seen in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica (JA McNiel). Other notations indicated that it could extend down to Peru (see Breedy et al. 2009: table 4 for full, known distributional range). Based on one specimen, USNM, 57302, taken in Escondido Bay, near San Diego County, San Diego, California, the overall range would extend from San Diego, California (at least), through Central America, possibly down to South America. Assuming E. daniana is a distinct species, it is then present in Central and Lower Gulf of California, living in the same area with Eugorgia aurantiaca Horn, 1860. Thus, southern-most end of the California Bight may be the northern-most limit (and as a separate species, E. daniana extends just a bit further north and further south than E. aurantiaca).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A79A5D4EF371F1281FCEADFF0FC99ECF.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Generally found on offshore reefs and islands; prefers clean, plankton-rich waters and generally found at depths to ~ 30 m (Gotshall 1998).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 5 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Colony an obvious whip-like form, no apparent holdfast, with minimal to no branching (not common to genus), branches fairly slender, with both branch ends pointed; sclerites double-disc spindles, with disc edges quite angular and sharp, characteristic of genus.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	description	Description. Colonies (Figure 11 A) incomplete, with exception of one (total strand length of complete one, 58.5 cm; length of largest colony fragment, ~ 37 cm); diameter 1.0 mm (largest diameter up to 3.0 mm, when polyps included); few with tiny holdfast; long, thin, stiff, wiry strands, none or very few primary or secondary branches (unusual for species in this genus); what branches are present come off at right angles to main stem, then curve some five cm distant or more from branching point; branch pattern (one colony) more dichotomous or lateral. Tips of branches (both ends) terminate in small arrowhead configuration. Coenenchyme very thin; axis visible through it in some areas; color of colonies generally pure white, light creamy beige to very, very pale pink, both coenenchyme and polyps; axis red-gold, with greenish cast. Small polyp mounds (no more than 1.0 mm tall, 1.0 - 1.5 mm broad at base) moderately prominent, rounded, conically broad bumps arranged in nearly opposite (occasionally alternate) pattern, lateral, giving strands flattened appearance from front to back (closer examination revealed polyps on all sides); very thin ridge line (longitudinal ridge) runs down middle of both " front " and " back " of branch; appears as bare " thread, " slightly raised; overall, polyps give branches a distinct zig-zag edge on lateral sides. Polyps (Figure 11 B) sit very close together, bases touching; greatest distance between polyps ~ 1.0 mm. Polyp aperture oval-shaped to thin slit, aligned with long axis of branch. Sclerites (Figures 12, 13) small; predominant type are double disc spindles (Figure 13 B), with disc edges quite angular and sharp (common in species of Eugorgia); also, slightly longer, symmetrical spindles (more typical of species in genus Leptogorgia, Figure 13 C) and occasionally, crosses (quadriradiates); all are colorless.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Proposing Eugorgia ljubenkovia, to honor John Ljubenkov, a southern California cnidarian biologist, colleague and friend of many Southern California Association of Marine Invertebrate Taxonomists (SCAMIT) members.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known from collection events undertaken by staff of Orange County Sanitation District and one lot taken in South Bay, Isla Cedros (' Velero IV') in 1949; thus, at this time, known from southern California and northernmost Baja, Mexico.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
5638883833D6EB441B7A6860FA56EA0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Moderate occurrence, indicated by OCSD collection events; not occurring at great depth (~ 30 - 35 m). Hydroids (fuzzy mass) attached to bare axis on one colony (SBMNH 472233); elsewhere on same colony, barnacle galls, barnacles completely covered with gorgonian's coenenchyme.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C03B94277C5B782AAB95FA2198C2C937.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 50 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). Was unable to examine the type specimen, but examined many others at NMNH, CAS, etc.; this is easily recognizable and comparison to type was not necessary.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C03B94277C5B782AAB95FA2198C2C937.taxon	description	Description. In general, all SBMNH material (along with supplemental lots) examined falls in line with the description and images provided for this species by Breedy et al. (2009: 5 - 7, 29, 31, 42). Whole colony (Figure 8), branch pattern (Figure 9), and basic sclerite forms (Figure 10) demonstrate the identifiable characteristics for the species.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C03B94277C5B782AAB95FA2198C2C937.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Rube- is the Latin for red, or reddish, presumably in reference to this species' color. However, there is no explanation for species name given by Verrill.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C03B94277C5B782AAB95FA2198C2C937.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From southeastern Pacific Ocean (type locality: Peru [Paita]), to southern and central California (Santa Barbara mainland and Channel Islands). Depth range from shallow subtidal to deeper than 100 meters. An extensive number of specimens were examined; collection location data shows geographic and depth ranges.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C03B94277C5B782AAB95FA2198C2C937.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Found at depths usually greater than 10 - 30 m. Work by Lissner and Dorsey (1986) showed a range of depth for this species along Tanner and Cortes Banks and the Santa Rosa-Cortes Ridge off of southern California as follows: At depths <49 meters, the species was sparse, at depths ranging from 49 - 79 meters, the species was very abundant to abundant, from 79 - 91 meters the species was commonly seen, and at depths below 91 meters was again sparse. In e-mail correspondence with C Bauder (and subsequently T Laidig at NOAA, December 2010), this species may actually occur at depths greater than originally thought, extending much further north than previously reported (the specimen that called attention to this greater depth was photographed by C Bauder at Point Lobos, Carmel Bay, at 66.5 m). A thorough examination of specimens taken from these greater depths at this, and other more northerly locations, should be done. From a list found in Museum records, depth ranges for this species from selected California sites (south to north) are as follows: Mainland: Tijuana River: 36 m; Point Loma: 21 - 42 m; La Jolla: 20 - 64 m; San Pedro: 17 - 33 m; Carpinteria: 36 m; Islands and Seamounts: Coronados Islands: 39 m; San Clemente Island: 9 - 20 m; also common around the San Benito Islands off Baja, California. Several dry specimens examined showed the presence of distinct galls produced by a species of acorn barnacle, projecting out through the coenenchyme. One of the wet specimens examined had a pronounced mass of red algae, with sponge, hydroids, worm tubes, etc. On another wet specimen, white scaly-looking patches were present, one patch so dense it looked like a cushion. On both of these wet specimens, the masses of growth were generally only present on areas of the colony where the axis was fully exposed. There is also evidence of the presence of ovulid snails from the Genus Simnia (Neosimnia) Risso, 1826 (species S. barbarensis Dall, 1892 and S. loebbekiana Weinkauff, 1881) as well as Simnialena rufa (Sowerby III, 1832) in the branches of both California (Santa Barbara, East Beach, Slate Reefs, 24 - 27 m; 1 April 1967 and off Newport Beach, 6 m; 18 Dec. 1964) and Mexican-collected specimens (from Sonora, Guaymas, Miramar Cove, 0.9 - 2 m; October, 1965; however, latter of questionable species identification).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7200D3F106E13F32AB6BB817DB65237B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Breedy et al. (2009) did a thorough review of this genus (well represented in the SBMNH collection). Sclerites chiefly disc spindles, capstans or double discs (wheels); double discs up to 0.05 mm long, spindles 0.12 - 0.18 mm, not developed as clubs; ordinary spindles present in small numbers in some species. Anthocodiae unarmed; sclerites, if present, flat rods and platelets with lobed margins. Polyps fully retractile into coenenchyme, slightly raised to prominent mounds, forming polyp-mounds, in longitudinal rows; often evenly distributed on all sides of branches. Branching is lateral, dichotomous (partial) or pinnate-like, in one plane; if bushy, branches in multiple planes; no anastomoses. Axis contains network of frequently mineralized organic filaments. Colony colors quite variable, depending on species.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C49D2D31B1971E1E29F385A9DB8773CA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Axis purely horny, composed of carbonate hydroxylapatite with narrow but distinct chambered central chord; cortex little loculated, if at all. Polyps fully retractile, some forming low calyces (polyp-mounds), scattered or biserially disposed. Axis / polyp coenenchyme moderately thick, packed with spindles and capstans with regular belts of tubercles; in certain genera modified into disc spindles, scaphoids, or unilaterally spinous forms. Anthocodial armature weak, in form of crown composed of flat rodlets with scalloped edges, or lacking entirely. Colonies of diverse form, from unbranched to pinnate, closely reticulate or foliate.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C00C3BAECE83ED93A801B39F02D68E9A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 25 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C00C3BAECE83ED93A801B39F02D68E9A.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figure 14 A) not reticulate; bushy, often lanky; branches spread out, in loosely subpinnate or dichotomous, irregular branching (Figure 14 B) pattern; color of living colony orange-red to orangey salmon-pink. Limbaugh (unpublished key) described color as a rich salmon pink; polyps white; dry specimens pale orange to light salmon pink. Branches and branchlets very cylindrical, long, often greater than 30 mm in length, slender (2.0 mm), usually smooth and whip-like, with unbranched, pointed ends. Branches / branchlets lie roughly in one plane (not always); some branching in all directions. Colony height to 3 ft (~ 92 cm); usually 2 ft (~ 61 cm) or less. Polyps generally flush in complete retraction, forming oblong apertures, extending in all directions around the branches. Generally, several longitudinal grooves (in bare area between polyps) present. Tentacles on polyps taper at tips and bear two rows of lateral pinnules, slightly displaced to the oral side. Sclerites (Figure 15 A-D) commonly spindles having acute or subacute warted ends extending beyond second ring of warts on either side of median girdle; also capstans (two whorls with end tufts), modified as disk-spindles. Anthocodial sclerites small rods, thin, sparsely ornamented; sclerites generally orange in color. What is shown here (Figure 15) comparable to that shown in Breedy and Guzman (2007: Figure 14, page 24).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C00C3BAECE83ED93A801B39F02D68E9A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Lepto- is Greek for fine or slender; the root chilensis-, likely indicative of the original type locality. No discussion of the derivation of the species name was found.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C00C3BAECE83ED93A801B39F02D68E9A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Several general guidebooks, including that by Gotshall and Laurent (1979), state distribution as Monterey Bay to San Benitos Islands in Baja, California. Cairns et al. (1991, 2003) did not list this species. Specimens were collected locally (Santa Barbara area, 9 - 22 m) for studies done by Satterlie and Case (1978, 1979) on the neurobiology of gorgonian coelenterates. NMNH has numerous lots collected from La Jolla Canyon (USNM 50179), Scripps Canyon (USNM 50191), and southern California (USNM 52442). However, examination and comparison of sclerites taken from many " red whip " forms indicated that likely range of Leptogorgia chilensis is from Anacapa Island off the California coast (thus, from the middle of the California Bight), south, perhaps to the coast of Chile. Further discussion regarding distribution of this species can be found in the " Remarks " section of this description. That discussion may further clarify some of the confusion regarding this species of " red whip " amongst several others. Other " red whips " that extend from the middle of the California Bight northward, and overlap with L. chilensis in the extreme southern end of their range, may well be one or more different species (see " Discussion concerning diversity of " red whip " gorgonian forms, " following description of Chromoplexaura marki.)	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
C00C3BAECE83ED93A801B39F02D68E9A.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Gotshall and Laurent (1979) mentioned that this species likes offshore pinnacles, depths of 50 to ~ 200 feet (15 - 61 m). Another guidebook (Snyderman 1987) stated that: " Reds are very common on the Channel Islands and on offshore pinnacles as far north as Monterey. " " Reds " would certainly include this species, but the term " reds " is not exclusively a reference to this species. Found at depths greater than 60 ft (18 m); at Catalina, 40 ft (12 m). Range given elsewhere as 15 - 60 m deep. Lissner and Dorsey (1986) recorded a maximum depth of 77 m for this species on Tanner and Cortes Banks, off southern California. From a list for California sites, both mainland and islands, with depth ranges indicated, we see: Mainland: Tijuana River: 36 m; Point Loma: 18 - 42 m; La Jolla: 17 - 64 m; San Pedro: 12 - 33 m; Redondo Beach: 12 m; Santa Barbara: 9 m; Islands: Rock Pile (Seamount 8 miles S. Coronados Islands): 30 m; Coronados Islands: 15 - 39 m; San Clemente Island: 5 - 21 m; Santa Catalina Island: 8 - 26 m; Anacapa Island: 6 - 9 m; Santa Cruz Island: 2 - 6 m; Santa Rosa Island: 5 - 8 m. This species has been studied both electrophysiologically and morphologically by Satterlie and Case (1978, 1979), and has been the subject of several studies regarding its (and other gorgonian species) relationships with other organisms, such as the obligate commensal barnacle Conopea galeata (Linnaeus, 1771), formerly Balanus galeatus Linnaeus, 1771 (Gomez 1973, Lewis 1978, Standing et al. 1984, Crisp 1990, Langstroth and Langstroth 2000). I have seen in multiple instances that these barnacles cluster as galls, attached to the axial skeleton of this species and are overgrown by the gorgonian's soft outer tissue. Balanus nubilis Darwin, 1854 is recorded as having been seen on the axial skeleton of dead " Lophogorgia " (Leptogorgia chilensis) in Monterey Bay (Langstroth and Langstroth 2000) (questionable gorgonian species identification); this may be opportunistic as it populates widely different sites in addition to this species. As well, several mollusk species have been recorded in association with this species, such as Tritonia festiva Stearns, 1873, as reported by Gomez (1973) and several snails of the genus Neosimnia (now Simnia), such as Neosimnia barbarensis Dall, 1892 (Theodor 1967, as referenced in Langstroth and Langstroth 2000). An unidentified field guide indicated that the ovulid snail Delonovolva Sowerby III, 1881 lives and feeds on the branches of this gorgonian. Still other organisms may be seen associated with this species, such as other species of cnidarian; " red " gorgonian is often colonized by the zoanthid anemone, Parazoanthus lucificum, now Savalia lucifica (Cutress & Pequenat, 1960), and likely other species, ultimately resulting in the death of all or most of the red gorgonian polyps (Patton 1972, as referenced in Langstroth and Langstroth 2000). In the SBMNH collection, data for several wet specimens on the Zoanthinaria shelves indicated this gorgonian as the substrate. A specimen, SBMNH 45570, collected from Avalon area of Santa Catalina Island, has Epizoanthus induratum Cutress & Pequenat, 1960 attached, while SBMNH 45549 M, collected from the NE end of Anacapa Island, has Epizoanthus leptoderma Cutress & Pequenat, 1960 attached to it and SBMNH 45550, collected from the Pinnacle off the quarry, near Avalon on Catalina Island, has Savalia lucifica (Cutress & Pequenat, 1960) attached to it. As well, a specimen of L. chilensis (SBMNH 265962), recently collected by Scott Clark in 2010, on Platform A as part of a survey for Milton Love, has approximately one third of its branches festooned with a creamy yellow zoanthid. There is some specific substratum choice indicated here, and is apparently common among colonial zoanthids. On SBMNH 422944 (see Appendix 1: List of material examined-Part II), there are large clumps of hydroid, but only on bare axis portions of the branches in the colony. According to Langstroth and Langstroth (2000), other organisms may be found associated with this species (although there is a question as to species identification of the gorgonian they discussed, as the examples are all from Carmel and Monterey Bays, in northern California; I suspect they may actually be looking at organisms on Chromoplexaura marki). They mention the bryozoan Celleporina robertsonae, now recognized as Costazia robertsonae (Canu & Bassler, 1923), the Broken-back shrimp Heptacarpus flexus (Rathbun, 1902), which may scavenge on sclerites, mucus and even toxic tissues from the surface of the gorgonian, a caprellid amphipod, specifically a skeleton shrimp, Metacaprella anomala (Mayer, 1903), whose color may derive from their acquiring the pigment ingested while scavenging the gorgonian's sloughed off debris, and the very small hermit crab Parapagurodes hartae McLaughlin & Jensen, 1996 (now recognized as Pagurus hartae (McLaughlin & Jensen, 1966), as noted in McLaughlin and Asakura 2004), recorded as being found only at depths of several hundred meters (presumably on this species; identification of host gorgonian may be incorrect), in southern California. As described by Fenical et al. (1981), work was undertaken to extract what has been described as a neuromuscular toxin, lophotoxin, from several species of Lophogorgia (Leptogorgia); L. chilensis has subsequently been found to produce this chemical, as well (Fenical et al. 1981). " Therefore, the distribution of toxin-producing gorgonians extends from Panama Bay northward to Point Conception, California " (Fenical et al. 1981). Also, it appears that gorgonians are able to distinguish (chemically?) between self colonies and not-self colonies (Langstroth and Langstroth 2000, citing Theodor 1970).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
0513DF67FF65A3DD2D7AD05EC0EAB1D4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. 4 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). I was unable to examine the designated type specimens, but again, distinctive characters of the species made this unnecessary for ID of SBMNH specimens.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
0513DF67FF65A3DD2D7AD05EC0EAB1D4.taxon	description	Description. Colony form (Figure 16 A), appearance of branch and polyp placement (with overall effect of polyp placement that of serrated or zig-zag appearance; Figure 16 B) and sclerites (Figures 17, 18 A-D) correspond with that given in description of the species in Breedy and Guzman (2007: 32 - 36), although in the SBMNH material examined, the anthocodial sclerites (Figure 18 A) seem exceptionally long.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
0513DF67FF65A3DD2D7AD05EC0EAB1D4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin diffuses- means spreading, perhaps in reference to open shrub-like appearance that the branches create. No discussion of the species name is given by Verrill.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
0513DF67FF65A3DD2D7AD05EC0EAB1D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From Panama and Costa Rica to southern California, at least.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7478F80245C64A6EE29C6A178BFDD444.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 9 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7478F80245C64A6EE29C6A178BFDD444.taxon	description	Description. Colony primarily unbranched; if branched, loosely and little branched in one plane, lateral or pinnate to subpinnate, occasionally dichotomous, not usually bushy; many long (~ 20 - 30 cm), slender (0.5 - 1.0 mm, excluding polyps), whip-like branches (many collected and, presumably, found together as shown in Figure 19), somewhat flattened but never greatly expanded to form lamellar ridges, with free ends more than 50 mm long. Branches very slender, somewhat sinuous from end to end, seeming to curve loosely back on themselves, like fine wire, yet stiff and brittle (Figure 20); tapering towards tips, also very slender. Branches likely grow from these tips; some strands with growth tip at both ends. With specimens available, base seen on several colonies (each colony usually a single strand with none, one or two branches) quite small, and usually affixed to a small rock or pebble; majority of colonies without a base. Not definitively known whether lack of a base (no attachment) is an artifact of collection, or common condition; those with attachment are a more rare situation (no attachment far more commonly seen in collected specimens). Axis very slender; ranging in color from black / dark brown to a translucent brown or reddish brown. Color of living colony, in situ, unknown. In all specimens examined, several uniform color phases were seen. Dry specimen strands exhibited color range from mauve to salmon pink to a much lighter cotton-candy pink to cream to pure white. Polyp-mounds small, conical projections (roughly 1.0 mm in height) on each side of branch (Figure 21); polyps not crowded (1.0 - 3.0 mm apart), arranged alternately in one or two lateral rows along sides of the branchlets. On some branches, a thin, medial line can be seen running down middle of the flattened branch, between alternate-situated polyps. Sclerites (Figure 22) are spindles, as described by Bayer (1956) for genus, typically with an absence of other specialized forms of sclerite. In this species, spindles thick, tapered; with warts low, rounded; with acute or subacute warted ends, extending beyond a second ring of warts on either side of median girdle. Long spindles generally symmetrical; some with warts on one side simple and conical, elsewhere more complicated. Very few shorter ones with warts of one side fused like those of disc spindles. Flat, tentacular sclerites large; on average sclerites can measure 0.1 mm long by 0.05 mm wide. Generally, sclerites without much color; if colored, typically light pink.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7478F80245C64A6EE29C6A178BFDD444.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species designation is derived from the Latin root fili- for thread, and the Latin root crispa- for curled or twisted; designation reflects overall strand appearance, which is thread-like, stiff and wiry; strands of this species reminiscent of the stiff, wiry, curled body of an adult horsehair worm.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7478F80245C64A6EE29C6A178BFDD444.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Based on collection locations for specimens in SBMNH collection, LACoMNH collection and those examined in collection at NMNH, from at least Ventura, California south to coast of Baja, into Gulf of California. Perhaps southern end of the California Bight is the northern limit for this species.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
7478F80245C64A6EE29C6A178BFDD444.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. A comment was made (Grigg 1972) about gorgonian colonies having " a loosely branched and whip-like shape when located in circular basins where water flow is turbulent. " Apparently this condition can be seen on shallow reefs to depths of 25 m (Grigg 1972). In this instance, it is suspected that regardless of water motion, the species consistently displays this distinctly thread-like form. Noteworthy point: an Atlantic form, Leptogorgia stheno Bayer, 1952, is normally unattached to any substrate; generally, many of the strands in the SBMNH material appear to exhibit that condition, as well. Having never seen this species in situ, and with no confirmed reports from other observers, thus far, nothing more can be stated about this species' biology.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
CE17219647373EC4090F915EA1E591AF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. 5 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). Designated types not examined.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
CE17219647373EC4090F915EA1E591AF.taxon	description	Description. An examination of SBMNH material revealed that colony form (Figure 23 A), branch and polyp appearance (Figure 23 B) and sclerites (shown here, Figure 24), are comparable with images shown in Breedy and Guzman (2007: 40 - 44).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
CE17219647373EC4090F915EA1E591AF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The root flexi- is Latin for pliant, bendable, referring to the apparently flexible, droopy, slender branchlets of the live colony. However, Verrill does not give any rationale for the species name.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
CE17219647373EC4090F915EA1E591AF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Panama, north into lower third of California Bight (off Santa Catalina Island and adjacent California mainland sites).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
DE805DD86DF8A1400BD8A75507CCDC10.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Sclerites primarily symmetrical spindles, most without unilateral fusion of warts to form discs; shorter ones may have warts on one side fused like those of disc spindles; long ones symmetrical or with warts on one side simple, conical, elsewhere complex tubercles in various arrangements (several whorls). Coenenchyme generally contains only spindles and radiate capstans with symmetrically developed tuberculation; warts / tubercles mostly in two whorls on capstans. Anthocodial armature flattened rods; sometimes, ovoid platelets. Colonies little-branched, long, slender, whip-like, or short with branching variable: pinnate, lateral or dichotomous, in one plane or bushy; color of colonies highly variable. Colonies either attached to substrate with holdfast or lying free on substrate. Axis consistent for family, containing network of organic filaments, frequently mineralized. Polyps fully retractile into coenenchyme; slightly raised, mound-like, around apertures.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
9EE5A92902DF0F04469B5C40BCDFCED9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 11 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
9EE5A92902DF0F04469B5C40BCDFCED9.taxon	description	Description. Colonies (Figure 25 A) non-reticulate; main stem ~ 14 cm long, arising from thin, flat attachment structure; latter gives off generally dichotomous (or irregular), mostly lateral, few to moderate, elongated, sometimes slightly crooked branches; these may divide again, often not; upright growth pattern in most, overall giving colony the appearance of a candelabra. Stem and branches rounded, nearly uniform, 1.0 - 2.0 mm diameter, not including polyps. Branches bend outwards in broad curve at axils; terminal branches from 2.5 - 7.5 cm long, without division, blunt at end. Few branchlets, rounded and slightly crooked. (One lot, SBMNH 422334, a simple, single whip-like, unbranched to minimally branched fragment, where diameter tends to smallest measurements of range, length ~ 37 cm, but not complete; other fragments much shorter, as above). Stem, branches and branchlets covered on all sides with prominent conical polyps, when extended (Figure 25 B); when contracted, nearly flush with branch surface; apertures circular. Polyps measure 0.2 mm tall (extended), 1.7 mm wide; spacing between them 2.0 - 2.5 mm apart. Arrangement of polyps does not delineate median groove. Color of all colonies, regardless of colony shape, bright lemon yellow or gold; most sclerites bright lemon-yellow or gold; the few straight, less warted sclerites, pale or colorless. Sclerite shapes (Figures 26 A-C, 27 A-D) not diverse; mostly spindles, heavily warted; warts form regular belts; belts either evenly spaced (six to seven belted rings) or belts much closer together, largest at middle of spindle and outwards toward spindle tips progressively smaller, creating in silhouette sclerites that appear in elongated diamond shape (Figures 26 C, 27 C); some few (Figure 27 D) of these with dense triangular collection of warts at each end with very narrow, median waist; very few straight, not as heavily warted, spindles. In a comparison with images from Breedy and Cortes (2011, Figure 2), similarities between the sclerites shown in their image and the one included here in Figures 26 C and 27 are strong, with exception of tentacular sclerites (rods); SBMNH specimens may be L. tricorata Breedy & Cortes, 2011.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
9EE5A92902DF0F04469B5C40BCDFCED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From specimens examined within the California Bight, limited range from Cortes Bank up to California Channel Islands, but see also Breedy and Cortes (2011) and " Remarks " below.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
9EE5A92902DF0F04469B5C40BCDFCED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Barnacle galls present on a number of specimens (SBMNH 423084 and SBMNH 422903).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
11A413A321FBA2D8F5B7B18CFE886188.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 32 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
11A413A321FBA2D8F5B7B18CFE886188.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figure 39 A) non-reticulate; up to 100 cm wide, 120 cm high, usually 60 cm or less. Loose, dichotomous, irregular branching primarily in one plane, forming heavy fan-shaped colony; some primary and secondary branches extend out of plane. Branches thick, averaging 2.0 - 5.0 mm in width; curve to lie parallel with main branch. Branching lateral, terminals of even thickness or tapering slightly. Outer coenenchyme mostly occluded by calyces (Figure 39 B). Calyces distally open cups, erect, very elongated, prominent, conical in shape, 0.8 - 1.1 mm tall, 1.0 - 1.5 mm across, 1.0 - 2.0 mm apart (close together, but not overlapping), protruding 45 to 90 degrees away from branch when polyp extended (extendable to 3.0 mm). When polyp not extended, calyx lying close to and curving into stem, broad and smooth (like bracts in a partially closed pine cone). Upper lip varies, from those without sclerites to having definite lip. Calyces extend in all directions around branches. Tentacles taper at tip; bear two rows of lateral pinnules that are slightly displaced to the oral side. Color of living colony generally rusty brown; ranges from golden-brown to dark reddish orange to reddish brown to brown to dark brown. Axis reddish brown at base; becomes light yellow-brown at tips. Polyps most commonly yellow; golden orange, bright yellow, pale yellow, creamy yellow, even white; all polyps of a branch the same color. Possibility that more than one color of polyp per colony occurs (demonstrated in digital images sent to me by Mary Wicksten, and examination of specimens). Dry colonies dark rusty brown. Sclerites (Figure 40 A-D) rust red to golden-brown. Sclerites predominantly club-shaped with large, rounded spines or pointed tubercles projecting from broader, club-shaped end; other end tapering, covered with tubercles (Figure 41 C). Outer coenenchyme consisting of small sclerites, to 0.5 mm long, torch-like, with processes often continuing irregularly down one side, other end tapering, covered with tubercles. Some spindles fusiform, bent very slightly in middle, or having large processes in middle projecting outward. Inner coenenchyme spindles small, fusiform, set with distinct tubercles. Sclerites examined compared to those shown by Hardee and Wicksten (1996); there can be dense coverings of warts, but condition not seen on all sclerites; some sclerites have dense covering of warts at one end, but not at other end. On largest sclerites, warts are large, very few a bit bigger than those shown by Hardee and Wicksten (1996) for M. fruticosa. Many more of largest sclerites have flame-like teeth at one end, not down entire length of one side. In drawings and photographs examined of those believed to be, or labeled, this species, much larger tubercle bumps are seen. Regarding flame-like teeth, on some sclerites there are scattered, randomly-placed spines running down the side, but many more have flame-like teeth only coming off one end (reminiscent of a flaming torch; Figure 41 C). Surface bumps can be dense, but not always, not over whole surface (true of some). For this species, stocky, dense clubs and torches very evident; overall, sclerites give impression of being a bit larger and more densely warted than those that may be from Muricea appressa. Refer to Figure 42, shown as Muricea plantaginea (Valenciennes, 1846); largest sclerites, however, not nearly as large as those seen in M. fruticosa.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
11A413A321FBA2D8F5B7B18CFE886188.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Surmise that the name californica refers to the species type locality; no explanation for the species derivation was found.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
11A413A321FBA2D8F5B7B18CFE886188.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Stated as ranging from Point Conception, through Baja (Santa Maria) to the Gulf of California; range extending further south is possible. Grigg (1977) remarked that if M. californica is identical to M. appressa (See Harden 1969; Grigg 1970 for rationale), southern limit for this species is then Zorritos, Peru. From the following list of California sites, running from south to north, note depth ranges indicated. On the Mainland: Point Loma: 5 - 18 m; La Jolla: 3 - 27 m (USNM 50190, was collected at 11 m, in La Jolla, at the Torrey Pines kelp bed, 5 miles north of Scripps Institution); USNM 77286 was collected at Corona Del Mar, Newport Bay; Newport Beach: 2 - 12 m; San Pedro: 3 - 18 m; yet another at NMNH (USNM 52485) was collected along the southern coast. Islands: Coronados Islands: 5 - 24 m; Santa Catalina Island: 5 - 30 m.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
11A413A321FBA2D8F5B7B18CFE886188.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Common in kelp beds (Ricketts, 4 th Ed. 1968); found at depths greater than 3 m, perhaps being one of the most common gorgonians from southern California (Hardee and Wicksten 1996). Grigg (1977) noted it as a species seen in the rocky sublittoral zone off California at depths between one and 30 meters. As colonies grow, they form annual growth rings in the skeleton (Grigg 1974; Bertsch 1984). Colonies grow separately sexed, requiring 5 - 10 years to reach sexual maturity with a maximum longevity of ca. 50 years (Grigg 1975). Grigg (1977) indicated that mortality could be caused by abrasion from suspended particulate matter when there are high waves, smothering by sand and by encrustation due to presence of zoanthid cnidarians Savalia lucifica (Cutress & Pequenat, 1960) and Epizoanthus induratum Cutress & Pequenat, 1960. On specimens of Muricea (potentially this species) located on Shale Reef, between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Savalia lucifica was found (a wet SBMNH specimen, as yet uncataloged). As well, SBMNH 422359 has a heavy growth of some form of epizoanthid. Presence of the colonial anemone Corynactis californica (Carlgren, 1936) may also be an important source of mortality. Satterlie and Case (1978) used this species extensively in studies on the neurobiology of gorgonian coelenterates, which they obtained locally (Santa Barbara area, at depths of 4 - 11 m). In a study done by Lissner and Dorsey (1986), it was noted that while this species was common around the Channel Islands and rocky areas of the mainland, it was conspicuously absent on the Tanner and Cortes Banks, and on the Santa Rosa-Cortes Ridge. In an anecdotal notation made by R Grigg, the reason could be that populations of Muricea species may be limited by cold water and / or poor dispersal abilities of the larvae. Grigg (1977) stated that Muricea species rarely cover more than 1 % of the sea bed, where space is fully occupied. Considering associations this species has with other organisms, Humes and Lewbel (1977) reported two species of Acanthomolgus Humes & Stock, 1972 (cyclopoid copepods) for the first time from the eastern Pacific in association with this gorgonian, from an area near La Jolla, California (Quast Reef). They indicated that these copepods are consistent members of the epifaunal community on the gorgonian, found with the gorgonian throughout the year. In association with SIO / BIC # CO 1600, there appeared to be the exoskeletal remains of either skeleton shrimp, or some other small, (and now pale) crustacean. Notes from H Bertsch (1984) indicated that sometimes the ovulid snail Simnia (Neosimnia) vidleri (GB Sowerby III, 1881) could be found eating this gorgonian; Grigg (1974) reported that the only fish known to feed on Muricea species is the Garibaldi Hypsypops rubicunda Girard, 1854 (from Clarke 1970). A specimen, from Baja, South Bay, Isla Cedros (SBMNH 422363), had very well developed acorn barnacle galls, completely overgrown and covered by healthy-looking coenenchyme; only the barnacles' uppermost valves were visible. They appeared to have been well protected and secured to their gorgonian host. One additional specimen (SBMNH 422362) displays a bare axis at the tip of several branches; obvious barnacles are attached to these bare-tip sites. Overall, extensive organismal growth is uncommon on Muricea specimens, both wet and dry, housed in the SBMNH collection.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
336A751A5926750B32432854D0956D84.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 14 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
336A751A5926750B32432854D0956D84.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figures 43 A, 46) fairly large; dense, abundant branching; not reticulate. Branching irregularly dichotomous (also seen as cespitose / fruticose, tightly bush-shaped variant, with rather small, somewhat clavate branchlets outside California Bight; variant description not discussed here). Prominent, spreading, spinose calyces create rough texture to branches of colony. Colony (of Figure 46) very bushy; not in one plane. Colony stands up to three feet (90 cm) tall (Figure 43 A), but usually shorter (30 cm). Main stem stout, short, arising from large, irregular base, usually dividing at once into several large, thick, unequal main branches, rapidly dividing and subdividing in irregular manner; branching extensive, such that main branches soon lost among crowded, crooked secondary branches. Branches and branchlets usually not more than 7.0 - 12 mm apart; branching can be in one plane, but not always. Small branches near ends often divide in irregular dichotomous manner, sometimes coalesce; very numerous, nearly equal in size, usually distinctly curved and crooked, spreading out at origin with a broad curve. Terminal branchlets short, 7.0 - 40 mm long, 2.0 - 3.0 mm thick, often curved, not tapering, either ending evenly or clavately, with obtusely rounded ends. In overall appearance, can look much like the colony shape of M. californica (perhaps reflective of similar environmental conditions). Color of living colony generally brown (darker) with white polyps; mostly deep reddish orange, rusty-brown; branchlet tips and calyces deep reddish brown, color generally fading to yellowish brown in proximal portion of branchlets, fading into light yellow, tinged with brown in main branches and trunk. Dry specimens orange-rusty brown, while polyps are pure white, situated on upper side of calyces; near distal end, aperture filled with yellow polyp sclerites, arising from bases of tentacles. Horn-like axis yellowish wood-brown at base and in larger branches (Hardee and Wicksten 1996 stated axis dark brown at base); darker reddish brown, translucent in smaller branches; light amber-yellow, translucent, slender up into branchlet tips. Calyces close together, but not overlapping, spreading outward and upward, 45 degrees from branch when closed, nearly 90 degrees with polyp extended; prominent, with conspicuous shelves opening distally, conical to columnar, larger and closer (1.0 mm) toward tips (Figure 43 B), approximately as high (1.0 - 2.0 mm) as they are broad (1.0 - 1.5 mm); on larger branches low, rounded, without prolonged lower lip, better developed than at base where they are flatter, small and spread apart (2.0 mm). Those better developed have an obvious lower lip, sharp and long with very large, long, stout sclerites as spindles (some of which approximately as long as the calyces) which lie parallel to each other, projecting past upper margin of lower lip, giving colony a prickly feel when touched; upper lip small or barely noticeable. As calyces do not overlap, outer, thin coenenchyme easily seen lying between calyces, characterized by extremely large, stout, sclerites, visible to naked eye, and curving around them, often larger than calyces; these sclerites may be missing near base of colony or in poorly preserved specimens. Sclerites (Figure 44 A, B) vary in color from brownish yellow and yellowish white to deep reddish brown. Largest sclerites (of outer coenenchyme), reddish orange-brown in color, up to 3.0 mm long; several shapes visible (Figures 44 A, B, 45, 47 A, B, 48 A-E). One shape, very distinct, mostly stout, blunt and truncate, almost rectangular; longer, large, massive ones rather thick in middle, tapering somewhat abruptly at ends, densely, evenly covered by small tubercles (Verrill 1868 stated longer ones covered by small, sharp spinules on one side; other parts covered with crowded rough warts; these I refer to as tardigrade-like sclerites; Figures 44 A, B, 45 D, 47 B, 48 E). Second largest form irregularly fusiform, covered with tubercles; third form (Figure 48 D) hook-shaped either on one end, both ends curving inward, or one end forked, the other tapering to a point; the latter often covered on ends with small, sparse, occasionally spiny tubercles, becoming more densely covered with tubercles toward the center, usually found around base of calyces. Medium-sized sclerites (~ 1.0 mm) more regular, fat (stout) in middle usually tapering to acute points; one side or one end covered with quite large, very sharp, simple projections, other side with densely crowded, rough microtuberculate warts. Sclerites of inner coenenchyme distinctly smaller, color ranging from yellow to white, fusiform, slender, often tapering to sharp point, covered with distinctly raised tubercles or warts (Figure 48 B). Calyx sclerites long, up to 1.6 mm, very irregular and oddly shaped, mostly fusiform, one end often forking slightly or very noticeably, evenly covered with distinct tubercles, with some unilaterally spinose projections. Generally, sclerites shown in Hardee and Wicksten (1996) appear to have extremely dense coverings of warts and bumps, the latter smallish in size. As well, they seem to cover a greater portion of the surface area of the sclerite as compared to those seen in drawings for sclerites of M. californica. Examinations of sclerites, for specimens identified as this species, reveal that sclerites can have flame-like teeth, these running almost the full length of the sclerite, on a side (what are termed nudibranch sclerites (Figure 45 A), as those of Matamoros-Rosales (1984), rather than at an end such as seen in a torch. Very largest sclerites (tardigrade-like) rounded, densely warted, with projections coming off one of the longer sides, creating the appearance of legs and claws (like those of a tardigrade; Figures 44, 45 D, some in Fig. 48 E). Generally, sclerites have very dense tubercle coverings. The largest sclerites in this species are decidedly larger than those of M. californica; this will be the case despite what might have been concluded from having only looked at polyp color. This agrees with data provided in both Harden (1969) and Grigg (1970). The colony shown in Figure 46 displays a few odd features, warranting further mention. Branching primarily pinnate to dichotomous. Colony measures ~ 7.5 cm tall, 4.0 cm wide. Slightly central main stem runs entire height of colony, with some slight curving laterally in random sections of stem; multiple branches all begin directly above or from base, many coming off of main stem. Branches often angle out a very short distance then curve upwards. Primary branches average 3.0 - 4.0 mm long, diameter ~ 1.0 - 2.0 mm (excluding calyces); diameter appears consistent from axillary branch points to branch tips. Calyces very columnar (1.0 - 2.0 mm wide, ~ 3.0 mm tall), heavily covered with longitudinally-oriented sclerites; polyps, many partially to fully extended from calyces, cream or light yellow; appear smooth. Calyces on all sides of branches, in some areas of colony very dense, in other areas calyces with some little distance between themselves, where sclerites can be seen on coenenchyme surface, lying sometimes longitudinally with the branches, sometimes not; latter more transverse (or oriented slightly in a triangular pattern) at base of calyces; calyces cover entire colony, right down onto coenenchymal surface of colony's base. Calyces generally appear distinct reddish brown due to large, conspicuous sclerites. Color of colony generally darker distally, reddish brown, grading from free branch tips of colony to much lighter yellow or cream proximally, in stem and base (due to light-colored sclerites, usually small in size); polyps appear very light yellow, cream to white. Majority of calyx-bearing polyps appear such that they give colony an overall swollen appearance (as though branches of colony are covered with small, round grapes). This is the most unique feature of this colony; this may reflect an active reproductive state at the time of collection; specimen's reproductive condition is still a question. Some calyces, scattered on all branches, tend to curve upwards slightly. The sclerites shown in both light microscopy (Figure 47 A, B) and SEM (Figure 48 A-E) in some ways match those for the colony of Figures 43 - 45, and yet in other ways do not clearly point to it being the same species. Based on this single specimen in the SBMNH collection (SBMNH 265945), from Long Beach, California, it requires further study. The biology of this colony, and its swollen appearance, has not been further explored or explained to date, other than to indicate that specimen was collected from very far into the back channels of Long Beach Harbor, quite a distance from open water (D Cadien, LACSD, pers. comm.).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
336A751A5926750B32432854D0956D84.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Latin, fruticosu- meaning shrubby (bush-like); Verrill gave no specifics as to the derivation of the species name.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
336A751A5926750B32432854D0956D84.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Potentially from Panama, up along California coast, perhaps as far north as Los Angeles County, California, with maximum, though infrequent, northern limit Point Conception, California. In a list of California sites, showing depth ranges, the following are indicated: Mainland: Point Loma: 5 - 14 m; La Jolla: 3 - 12 m; (USNM 50192 was collected at 11 m at La Jolla, in the Torrey Pines kelp bed, 5 miles north of Scripps Institution); Newport Beach: 0 - 12 m; San Pedro: 0 - 15 m; Santa Barbara: 5 - 8 m; Naples Reef: 5 - 11 m; Islands: Coronados Islands: 2 - 12 m; San Clemente Island: 21 m; Santa Catalina Island: 5 - 18 m.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
336A751A5926750B32432854D0956D84.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Seen more commonly in southern areas of California kelp beds (Ricketts, 4 th Ed. 1968); also, offshore pilings. Seen as well in lowest intertidal zone, outer Los Angeles Harbor; one of the most common species in southern California, in 15 - 30 m depths, Point Conception to Baja California (Grigg 1977; Gotshall 1994, 2005). Both this and M. californica seem to prefer subtidally occurring solid substrata at depths between 1.0 - 30 m (Grigg 1977). Lissner and Dorsey (1986) reported that while this species is common around the California Channel Islands and rocky areas of the mainland, it is conspicuously absent on the Tanner and Cortes Banks and the Santa Rosa - Cortes Ridge. Grigg (anecdotal communication) reported that populations of Muricea may be limited by cold water and / or poor dispersal abilities of the larvae. Grigg (1974) stated that this species is ca. one-tenth as abundant as M. californica off La Jolla. Based on work done by Grigg, it was estimated that a colony 30 cm high is ~ 20 years old. As very few colonies are seen larger than that, few colonies likely exceed this age. Mortality attributed mostly to abrasion, occurring when particulate matter is suspended in the water during periods of high waves and by smothering coming from accumulations of sand. One untitled and unpublished identification guide stated that colonies are able to survive in some of the most polluted near shore waters, as well as uncontaminated offshore waters. It appears this species is immune to encrustations known to cause mortality in M. californica. (SBMNH 422390, collected by MacGinitie in Newport Bay, if indeed this species-original identification indicated it was, based on white polyps, but sclerites do not support the identification-does have several galls produced by an acorn-type barnacle, on bare axis as well as on an area covered by coenenchyme.) Apparently fed upon by only one species of fish, the Garibaldi Hypsypops rubicunda. Grigg (1974) calculated that between 10 % and 15 % of annual growth of this species and M. californica is cropped by Garibaldi predation.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
822500897A8C3805271728F8B6054B7C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Arborescent colonies richly branched (dichotomously or laterally), often in one plane. Branch diameter moderate to very thick, tendency to curve upwards, most nearly parallel to one another, tips tending to slightly swollen. Calyces shelf-like, on all sides, close-set, prickly, tubular or distinctly projecting (at right angle or upwards); stiffened by large, fusiform sclerites; aperture wide and eight-rayed; polyps fully retractile. Axis purely horny; weakly loculated (if at all). Sclerites usually fusiform, long, often massive, spindles (up to 3.0 mm in length), obviously sculptured, with strong outer or terminal spines, or both, arranged in calycular wall longitudinally; rarely some irregular forms. Anthocodial sclerites numerous, small spindles, forming at most weak, slightly differentiated transverse crown or collaret below tentacles, converging on bases of tentacles. Sclerites in genus stated as generally, markedly stockier, denser and thicker; a bit larger overall, than those seen in many other genera.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
6BD8C88F42F2527E38B230CEA981EB38.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. A number of lots housed in SBMNH collection (see Appendix 1: List of material examined).	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A6649330026E13EB755195917D18A8A4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ~ 5 lots (see Appendix 1: List of material examined). While labeled Placogorgia material was examined at NMNH, nothing resembled in any way the specimens in the SBMNH collection.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A6649330026E13EB755195917D18A8A4.taxon	description	Description. Colony (Figures 49, 50 A) generally branched in one plane; rarely, few reticulate; colony height (base to tip of upper-most branch) approximately 20 - 21 cm.; long, generally dichotomous branches and branchlets, moderately thick, cylindrical; branch diameter thickness averages 5.0 mm (including calyces); meandering sinuously, branches bent upward, parallel with main stem (not always obvious); tips of branches and branchlets swollen, to rounded 8.0 - mm diameter (Figure 50 B). Main stem bifurcates (sometimes), some distance (+ / - 10 cm) from base; branches then again bifurcate at ~ 1.0 -> 5.0 cm from first division. Further branching asymmetrical. Not all branches subdivide; of those that do, distance from previous subdivision varies. Polyps distributed over entire surface, sparsely placed at base, becoming progressively most crowded at branch tips. Color of freshly collected specimens, via video and still image (Figure 49), pale pinkish tan with conspicuous, fluffy, cotton candy-pink polyps; in preserved (dry) specimens, color dull tan-brown (Figure 50 A, B); axis color slightly darker brown. Calyces moderately low, ~ 1.0 mm tall, 2.0 mm across, 2.5 mm apart; blunt / rounded, conical, armed with sclerites of various shape. Coenenchyme (relatively thin) contains long, blunt-ending spindles, often bent; largest bent spindles 0.3 - 0.6 mm L, 0.05 - 0.1 mm H (average 0.5 mm L x 0.08 mm H), often with strong external spines (Figure 52 D). Distinctive sclerites often like thorn-scales or thorn-stars; small, spinulate or laciniate ones predominantly calycular (Figures 52 E-G). Anthocodial sclerites difficult to extract; sclerites of collaret also blunt-ended, bent spindles, at base of polyp, tending to circular arrangement. A few as large, heavy, tapered spindles, sometimes with several heavy, rough spines projecting from one side; some few (the calycular sclerites) as branched torches (Figure 52 B); also, crutch-types (Figures 51 A, 52 C); some few as crosses and irregular ones, most as unilateral spiny shapes (Figure 51 B, C). Color of sclerites cream to very light tan, at least in specimens that are long dry.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A6649330026E13EB755195917D18A8A4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. For genus (based on material found / examined at NMNH and other institutions, such as CAS) from Point Conception (California Bight) to Gulf of California (eastern North Pacific Ocean); western Pacific from Hawaii south to Philippines and Indonesia. NMNH also has specimens in this genus collected from off the coast of Chile in the southeastern Pacific Ocean; these look very different from the one described here.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
A6649330026E13EB755195917D18A8A4.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. May be considered a subtidal to deep-sea genus; this based on collection data for known species.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
2E17EEBD91B8A3CB90C78BD3D01F0E8D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Colonies usually branched laterally in one plane; main stem generally long; primary branches with tendency to curve upwards; primary branches tend to run parallel with main stem, tips button-shaped, prominent swellings. Polyp height moderately low, on all sides of branches; especially dense at branch tips. Calyces truncated, cone shaped, armed with spindles (thorn scales). With crown (collaret) and points arrangement (= operculum of Paramuricidae): each of eight points composed of two-three pointed, convergent spindles in triangular arrangement above collaret of spinous rods, latter forming spiny transverse ring; fairly large triangular space free from sclerites between each point, situated in tentacle base. Thorn scales of calyx typically large, coarse, thick; wider than tall, each with broad, abundantly branched basal root (broad, flat), and a (usually) short, stout, more or less laciniated but usually strong, blunt spine; these sclerites overlap like roof tiles. Coenenchymal sclerites diverse spindles, simple, branched, often flattened, occasionally with one or more projections. Outer coenenchyme with long, often bent, sclerites (spindles), blunt points on both ends; at calyx base these form enclosing annular ring.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
9D589721B6A8190F95AEAC33028282F0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Colonies of very diverse form, generally with thick branches arising laterally, dichotomously (in some, pinnately). Polyps completely retractile or forming distinct calyces into which anthocodiae can be withdrawn. Axis with wide, chambered central chord; peripheral zone of loculated horny material, usually containing nonscleritic calcareous matter (common tendency toward heavy calcification of base in old colonies). Coenenchyme thick, perforated by system of longitudinal canals surrounding axis, delimiting outer coenenchymal layer from inner one (axial sheath), which differ in spiculation. Sclerites usually include some form of club; some with spindles only, oval bodies, rods or large quadriradiates.	en	Horvath, Elizabeth Anne (2019): A review of gorgonian coral species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) held in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History research collection: focus on species from Scleraxonia, Holaxonia, Calcaxonia - Part II: Species of Holaxonia, families Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae. ZooKeys 860: 67-182, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.860.33597
