Alcyonacea are a species of sessile colonial cnidarians that are found throughout the oceans of the world, especially in the deep sea, polar waters, tropics and subtropics. Whilst not in a strict taxonomic sense, Alcyonacea are commonly known as "soft corals" (Octocorallia) that are quite different from "true" corals (Scleractinia). The term “soft coral” generally applies to organisms in the two orders Pennatulacea and Alcyonacea with their polyps embedded within a fleshy mass of coenenchymal tissue. Consequently, the term “gorgonian coral” is commonly handed to multiple species in the order Alcyonacea that produce a mineralized skeletal axis composed of calcite and the proteinaceous material gorgonin only and corresponds to only one of several families within the formally accepted taxon Gorgoniidae (Scleractinia). These can be found in order Malacalcyonacea (taxonomic synonyms of include : Alcyoniina, Holaxonia, Protoalcyonaria, Scleraxonia, and Stolonifera. They are sessile colonial cnidarians that are found throughout the oceans of the world, especially in the deep sea, polar waters, tropics and subtropics. Common names for subsets of this order are sea fans and sea whips; others are similar to the sea pens of related order Pennatulacea. Individual tiny polyps form colonies that are normally erect, flattened, branching, and reminiscent of a fan. Others may be whiplike, bushy, or even encrusting. A colony can be several feet high and across, but only a few inches thick. They may be brightly coloured, often purple, red, or yellow. Photosynthetic gorgonians can be successfully kept in captive aquaria.
Lobophytum is a genus of soft corals commonly known as devil's hand corals or devil's hand leather corals.
Lobophytum gazellae is a coral species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum mortoni is a coral species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum oligoverrucum is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum patulum is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum pauciflorum is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum planum is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum proprium is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum. It is found on Vanuatu.
Lobophytum prostratum is a species of soft corals in the family Alcyoniidae and the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum pusillum is a coral species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum pygmapedium is a species of soft corals in the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum ransoni is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae.
Lobophytum schoedei is a species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum solidum is a species of soft coral in the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum spicodigitum is a species of soft coral in the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum strictum is a species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum variatum is a species of soft coral in the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum varium is a coral species of the genus Lobophytum.
Lobophytum verum is a species soft coral of the genus Lobophytum.
