NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-146


A Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 

by 

B. L. Wing and D. R. Barnard

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Alaska Fisheries Science Center 

July 2004 
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS 

The National Marine Fisheries Service's Alaska Fisheries Science Center 

uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum series to issue informal scientific and 

technical publications when complete formal review and editorial processing 

are not appropriate or feasible. Documents within this series reflect sound 

professional work and may be referenced in the formal scientific and technical 

literature. 

The NMFS-AFSC Technical Memorandum series of the Alaska Fisheries 

Science Center continues the NMFS-F/NWC series established in 1970 by the 

Northwest Fisheries Center. The NMFS-NWFSC series is currently used by 

the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. 

This document should be cited as follows: 

Wing, B. L., and D. R. Barnard. 2004. A field guide to Alaskan corals. 

U. S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-AFSC-146, 67 p. 

Reference in this document to trade names does not imply endorsement by 

the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA. 
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-146


A Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 

by 1 B. L. Wing and D. R. Barnard2 

1

Alaska Fisheries Science Center 

Auke Bay Laboratory 

11305 Glacier Highway 

Juneau AK 99801-8626 

www.afsc.noaa.gov 

2

Alaska Department of Fish and Game 

211 Mission Road 

Kodiak, Alaska 99615 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Donald L. Evans, Secretary 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (ret.), Under Secretary and Administrator 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries 

July 2004 
This document is available to the public through: 

National Technical Information Service 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, VA 22161 

www.ntis.gov 
Notice to Users of this Document 

In the process of converting the original printed document into Adobe Acrobat .PDF format, slight 

differences in formatting can occur; page numbers in the .PDF may not match the original printed 

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This document is being made available in .PDF format for the convenience of users; however, the 

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copy format. 
 ABSTRACT


This guide presents updated keys to genera and species of corals known from Alaskan waters. 

The keys rely on macroscopic characters as much as possible. Where microscopic examination is 

required to identify species, the identification is carried only to genus or group of genera. Keys to 

the Octocorals (soft corals, gorgonian corals, sea pens and sea whips), Scleracatinia (cup corals), and 

Antipatharia (black corals) are carried only to genera. The keys to Hydrocorals are to species. 

Photographs of representatives of each genus are used to assist in identification. Where possible, 

photographs of fresh specimens are included. A brief glossary defines specialized terms used to 

describe corals. We present a list of the 105 coral species reported from Alaska. Some of the reported species may be synonyms or misidentifications. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals iii
CONTENTS


Abstract............................................................................................................................................iii

Contents.............................................................................................................................................v

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1

Key to Alaskan Octocorals (Anthozoan -- Soft Corals)........................................................2

Key to Alaskan Scleractinia (Solitary or Cup Corals)...........................................................2

Key to Alaskan Hydrocorals..................................................................................................3

Key To Alaskan Antipatharia (Black Coral or Thorny Coral)..............................................3

Collection and Preservation of Coral Specimens..................................................................4

Key to Major Orders and Families........................................................................................6

Key to Genera and Species....................................................................................................7

Soft Corals.............................................................................................................................7

Sea Pens and Sea Whips........................................................................................................8

Cup Corals.............................................................................................................................9

Hydrocorals.........................................................................................................................10

Black Corals........................................................................................................................11

List of Figures..................................................................................................................................12

Acknowledgments ..........................................................................................................................16

Citations...........................................................................................................................................17

Supporting References.....................................................................................................................18

Appendix I. Glossary.......................................................................................................................20

Appendix II. List of Coral Species Reported from Alaska.............................................................22

Figures.............................................................................................................................................29

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals v 
INTRODUCTION 

This field guide revises the preliminary guide for Alaskan corals assembled by of Wing and 

Barnard (2002). Additions include keys to the genera of black corals (Antipatharia) and the genera 

of sea pens and sea whips (Pennatulacea) reported from Alaska waters. We have added color photographs of fresh-caught specimens, which replace or supplement the photographs of dried specimens 

used in the earlier guide. The use of color photographs will aid field observers by showing the corals 

as they are most likely to be seen. Where possible, we have also included photographs of the corals 

in their natural habitat. 

These keys provide a guide to the families and genera of coldwater corals found in Alaska 

waters. Identification of corals to species or even genus often requires examination of microscopic 

structures. The keys are designed for use by fisheries observers aboard vessels where microscopes 

may not be available. Scientific terminology describing corals and related animals is often highly 

specialized; therefore, we provide a short glossary of some technical terms (Appendix I), although 

we assume the user has basic knowledge of marine invertebrates and their anatomy. The authors 

have not seen representatives of several species described here and have developed these keys strictly 

from descriptions provided in the literature. Some species and subspecies were described from a 

single or very few specimens. Recent literature notes that several forms are known only from the 

type material. 

The keys are designed for identification of Alaskan corals by using paired statements comparing 

observable characteristics. If the characteristics match a statement, the next appropriate pair of 

statements to be evaluated is indicated by the number at the end of the statement. Continuing this 

process will eventually lead to a final determination. Although the keys are arranged in dichotomous 

couplets, there are occasionally three choices when two or more species could not be distinguished 

on the basis of single characteristics. Often we have taken the identification only to genus because 

further identification requires microscopic examination. 

As a caution, we remind those who use these keys that corals frequently have differing ecotypes 

or growth forms. These ecotypes are responses to the specific habitat and life history of the indiField Guide to Alaskan Corals 1 
vidual polyp or colony. All field identifications should be considered tentative and representative 

material should be saved for later confirmation in the laboratory. 

Seventy species and five subspecies of coral have been reported from Alaska waters (Appendix 

II). Additionally, about 25 species have been identified only to genus or family in the literature. 

Many of these may be undescribed species, providing additional justification for carrying identification only to genus in the field. The present key is subdivided into four sections representing the 

major classes of corals likely to be encountered by fisheries observers, field survey personnel, etc. 

Key to Alaskan Octocorals (Anthozoan -- Soft Corals) 

Octocorals are frequently referred to as soft corals. They have eight pinnately branched tentacles 

on each feeding polyp. The Alaskan octocorals include stolon corals (Stolonifera), Alcyonarian soft 

corals, gorgonians (Gorgonacea), and sea pens and sea whips (Pennatulacea). They are the most 

diverse of the Alaskan corals, the most poorly known, and the most difficult to identify. Several 

undescribed species and genera have been collected and are presently under investigation by National 

Museum of Natural History and California Academy of Sciences personnel. 

This portion of the Alaskan coral guide has been abstracted in part from Bayer (1981) with the 

glossary taken from Bayer, Grasshof and Verseveldt (1983). The key for sea pens and sea whips is 

abstracted from Williams (1995). 

Key to Alaskan Scleractinia (Solitary or Cup Corals)

 The Scleractinia of Alaska are normally small, solitary cup corals; alive or fresh they resemble 

small sea anemones with a hard skeleton. This key has been abstracted from Cairns (1994) and is 

restricted to those species and genera listed for the Alaska-Aleutian biogeographical province. 

Cairns (1994) lists nine species from Alaska, and three others have been reported in the informal 

literature. Most are known from very few specimens. Any cup corals found by observers should be 

kept for reference and identification. 

2 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Key to Alaskan Hydrocorals 

The hydrocorals are colonial hydroids that have limestone skeletons They may be either encrusting on rock and shell or form upright colonies that are variously branched. The colonies range from 

less the 1 cm in diameter or height to over 50 cm in height. Although the Alaskan hydrocorals do not 

have symbiotic algae their colors can be various shades of brown, cream, orange, pink, purple or 

yellow. More than 20 species from 7 genera have been reported from Alaska. This key seems to 

work well for identifying the genera we have examined, but it does not easily separate species in 

Stylantheca and Stylaster. One species recently described, Cyclohelia lamellata Cairns, 1991, is 

poorly known and several new undescribed species are noted in the informal literature. The three 

species of Stylantheca may be synonymous. Only Stylantheca porphyra has been reported from a 

wide geographic range (central California to Sitka Sound, Southeast Alaska). Stylantheca 

pterograpta is reported from Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. We have found Stylantheca 

papillosa reported only from the type specimen from Coal Harbor, Unga Island of the Shumagin 

Islands, Alaska. 

Stylaster is a large genus that has proven frustrating to most authorities to identify to species. 

The genus has a worldwide distribution and is found from the intertidal to more than 2,000 m. Both 

fossil and recent (living) species are recognized. Cairns (1983) recognizes more than 70 species and 

subspecies of Stylaster. Ten species have been reported from Alaska. Of the Alaskan Stylaster, S. 

campylecus appears to be the most commonly collected species. Although four subspecies of S. 

campylecus have been designated (Fisher, 1938; Naumov, 1960; Clark, 1997; 1999), we question the 

validity of these subspecies and their identification. The geographic ranges and depth ranges of the 

subspecies are broadly overlapping. The characteristics of the subspecies are variable and not easily 

distinguished in most published photographs and drawings. 

Key to Alaskan Antipatharia (Black Coral or Thorny Corals) 

Black or thorny corals are known from the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Island areas, but are rare 

and are typically from very deep waters. They resemble hydroids and gorgonians with a black horny 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 3 
skeleton. They differ by having six tentacles on each feeding polyp. The skeleton has thorn-like 

projections. The thorn-like projections may be quite small. Some large tropical black corals have 

thick, heavy skeletons that are used for jewelry. The Alaskan black corals are smaller and have thin 

flexible skeletons, which are brittle when dried. Any specimens encountered should be preserved 

and prepared for forwarding to the Smithsonian Institution. Distinguishing characteristics that can be 

used in the field are based on the form of branching. The Northeast Pacific black corals are very 

poorly known, with one species, Chrysopathes speciosa Opresko 2003, newly described and other 

potential new genera and species are currently under investigation. 

Collection and Preservation of Coral Specimens 

Cup corals, hydrocorals, black corals, gorgonians and the various soft corals are best preserved 

as dry specimens or in alcohol solutions. Dried specimens should be dried in the dark and not exposed to sunlight. Some gorgonians may be spread and flattened by placing the specimen between 

sheets of cardboard and waxed paper during the first stages of drying. Dried specimens should be 

stored in rigid containers that protect them from crushing during shipment. Small specimens and 

some flattened specimens may be permanently stored in Riker mounts typically used in insect collections or similar display cases. 

Wet specimens are best preserved in 75% ethyl alcohol or 33-50% isopropyl alcohol (medicinal 

or rubbing alcohol). These alcohol solutions are made up with fresh water (tap water). Do not use 

seawater because the salts react with alcohol, causing an undesirable precipitate and resulting in poor 

fixation and preservation. Researchers studying coral genetics (mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) 

may request that portions of a sample be preserved in 95% ethyl alcohol. Because formaldehyde 

dissolves the calcified skeleton and spicules, formaldehyde solutions (i.e., 10% formalin in seawater) 

are not recommended except for special studies (e.g., histology of reproductive tissues). 

A critical component of all collections is proper labeling and recording of collection data. Each 

specimen or lot of specimens should be separately labeled and packaged. Labels for wet specimens 

should be written on waterproof paper with a medium-hard pencil (2.5 H) or special waterproof ink 

4 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
that does not fade in alcohol. Most ballpoint pens have inks that fade or dissolve in water or alcohol


solutions. The Rite in the Rain and PIGMA MICRON Archival Ink pens have been satisfactory


when available. The label needs to have the following information:


the date with the month written alphabetically or in Roman numerals to avoid confusing day and


month of the year (e.g., 06 July 2004 or 06 VII 2004, not 06/07/04).


SPECIES : (if known)


LOCATION: (Place name or description of location in relation to a known geographic site)


LATITUDE: LONGITUDE: 

DEPTH: GEAR: 

DATE: TIME: 

COLLECTOR: 

VESSEL: STATION No.: 

ORIGINAL PRESERVATIVE: 

NOTES: 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 5 
Key to the Major Orders and Families 

1a. Polyps embedded in a hard inflexible calcareous matrix: Stony Corals........................................2 

1b. Polyps embedded in a soft fleshy matrix. A hard but flexible skeleton may be under the 

fleshy coenenchyme: Soft Corals ...............................................................................Octocorals 3 

1c. Polyps embedded in a soft, almost watery, matrix over a black flexible horny skeleton: 

Black Corals .............................................................................................................Antipatharia


2a. Polyps large (5-30 mm diameter), solitary or in small clusters: Cup Corals...............Scleractinia


2b. Polyps small (< 5 mm diameter), numerous polyps in the colony: Hydrocorals ............................


.....................................................................................................................................Stylasteridae 

3a. No hard skeleton under the fleshy matrix.......................................................................................4 

3b. Polyps embedded in a covering matrix, skeleton variously branched and calcified.......................5 

3c. Skeleton a single stiff rod, colony anchored in soft substrate by a fleshy peduncle: Sea Pens 

and Sea Whips...........................................................................................................Pennatulacea 

4a. Polyps rising from a soft encrusting matrix (Fig. 1): Stolon Corals ....................... Clavulariidae 

4b. Polyps not rising from an encrusting base....................................................................Alcyoniidae 

5a. Skeleton composed of alternating calcareous (white) and horny (black) segments: Bamboo 

Corals..................................................................................................................................Isididae 

5b. Skeleton not in segments................................................................................................................6 

6a. Skeleton of a porous bone-like material, fleshy covering, thick, polyps can retract almost or 

completely in flesh (Fig. 6).......................................................................................Paragorgiidae 

6b. Skeleton non-porous, horny material which may be permeated with calcium carbonate...............7 

7a. In the dried state, body embedded with fine, small sclerites that are not clearly visible 

(Figs. 8, 9, 10).............................................................................................................Plexauridae


7b. In the dried state, body consists of larger plate-like sclerites........................................Primnoidae


6 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Key to Genera and Species 

1a. Polyps embedded in a hard inflexible calcareous matrix: Stony Corals........................................2 

1b. Polyps embedded in a soft fleshy matrix (coenenchyme), a hard but flexible skeleton may be 

under the fleshy coenenchyme: Soft corals....................................................................................3


1c. Polyps embedded in a soft matrix over a black flexible horny skeleton: Black Corals..............40


2a. Polyps large (5 to 30 mm diameter), solitary or in small clusters: Cup Corals...........................21


2b. Polyps small (< 5 mm diameter), numerous polyps in the colony: Hydrocorals.........................27


Soft Corals – Octocorals (Anthozoa) 

3a. No hard skeleton under fleshy matrix.............................................................................................4 

3b. Polyps embedded in a covering matrix, skeleton variously branched and calcified.......................6 

3c. Skeleton a single stiff rod, colony anchored in soft substrate by a fleshy peduncle: 

Pennatulacea................................................................................................................................15


4a. Polyps rising from a soft encrusting base (Fig. 1): Clavulariidae..........................Clavularia spp.


4b. Polyps not rising from an encrusting base......................................................................................5


5a. Polyps in a tight, irregular fleshy mass (Fig. 2): Alcyoniidae..................................Gersemia spp.


5b. Polyps embedded in a mushroom-like base (Fig. 3): Alcyoniidae...................Anthomastius spp.


6a. Skeleton composed of alternating calcareous (white) and horny (black) segments: Isididae........7


6b. Skeleton not in segments................................................................................................................8


7a. Skeleton branches from the calcareous (white) internodes (Fig. 4)..........................Keratoisis spp.


7b. Skeleton branches from the horny (black) nodes (Fig. 5).............................................Isidella spp.


7c. Skeleton not branched................................................................................................Lepidisis spp.


8a. Skeleton of a porous bone-like material, fleshy covering thick, polyps can retract almost or


completely into flesh (Fig. 6): Paragorgidae........................................................Paragorgia spp.


8b. Skeleton non-porous, horny material, which may be permeated with calcium carbonate..............9


9a. Polyps contractile into wart-like projections (Fig. 7): Acanthogorgidae.............Calcigorgia spp.


9b. Polyps retract into a thick covering, not superficial “warts”: Keroeididae..................................10


Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 7 
9c. Polyps not contractile....................................................................................................................11 

10a. Polyps red...........................................................................................................cf. Ideogorgia sp. 

10b. Polyps cream, yellow, gray, or brown.................................................................Alaskagorgia sp. 

11a. In the dried state, body embedded with small sclerites (not clearly visible) (Figs. 8, 9, 10): 

Plexauridae....................................... Euxplexaura, Muriceides, Paramuricea and Swiftia spp. 

11b. In the dried state, body consists of large plate-like sclerites: Primnoidae.................................12 

12a. Primnoidae with small polyps(< 3 mm) colonies bushy or pinnate, skeleton not calcified 

(Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14) :Primnoidae Group I......................................Amphilaphis, Parastenella, 

Plumarella, and Thouarella spp. 

12b. Primnoidae with medium to large polyps (> 3 mm), colonies often large, dichotomously 

branched.......................................................................................................................................13 

13a. Primnoidae with large polyps, colonies frequently very large, base of skeleton may be 

calcified (Fig. 15)......................................................................................................Primnoa spp. 

13b. Primnoidae with polyps arraigned in distinct whorls, skeleton not calcified..............................14 

14a. Primnoidae with medium polyps in closely packed whorls, no points on polyps, candelabra 

appearance (Fig. 16)....................................................................................................Fanellia spp. 

14b. Primnoidae with large polyps, whorls may or may not be tightly packed, points on polyps 

(Fig. 17).............................................................................................................Arthrogorgia spp. 

Sea Pens and Sea Whips – Pennatulacea 

15a. Polyps in a single cluster at the end of a long rachis (stalk)................................. Umbellula spp. 

15b. Polyps arranged along the sides of the rachis .............................................................................16 

16a. Polyps arranged singly or in rows along the rachis .....................................................................17 

16b. Polyps in leaves on the rachis......................................................................................................18 

17a. Polyps in spiculated calyces (Fig. 18)..................................................................Protoptilum spp. 

17b. Polyps with out spiculated calyces....................................................................Anthoptilium spp. 

18a. Rachis and leaves fleshy, polyps large relative to the rachis, usually pale to vivid orange 

(Fig. 19)..................................................................................................................Ptilosarcus spp.


8 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
18b. Rachis not especially fleshy, polyp leaves not especially large relative to the rachis, color 

variously white, orange, or madder brown..................................................................................19


19a. Polyp leaves poorly developed, polyp calcyces densely spiculated (Fig. 20) Halipterus spp.


19b. Polyp leaves well developed.......................................................................................................20


20a. Rachis without projecting spicules........................................................................Virgularia spp.


20b. Rachis rough with projecting spicules.....................................................................Stylatula spp.


Cup Corals – Scleractinia


21a. Free living, not normally attached to a substrate........................................................................22


21b. Corallum normally attached to a substrate..................................................................................24


22a. Corallum cornute (horn, chalice or cup-shaped)................Caryophyllia sp. A (ref. Cairns 1994)


22b. Corallum discoidal......................................................................................................................23


23a. Corallum robust, up to 20 mm diameter...........................................Fungiacyathus marenzelleri


23b. Corallum delicate, generally less than 5 mm diameter.....................................Leptopenus discus


24a. Corallum large (often > 30 mm diameter), elliptica to oval shaped (Fig. 21).......... Javania spp.


(Two species are reported from the area, both are poorly known: J. borealis and J. cailleti) 

24b. Corallum small (usually < 30 mm diameter)..............................................................................25 

25a. Corallum and polyps are red-colored, from intertidal to shallow subtidal habitats........................ 

.....................................................................................................................Balanophylla elegans


25b. Corallum white or gray, polyps red.............................................................................................26


26. Five genera (seven species) of small white, cream or gray cup corals have been reported in 

Alaskan waters, They are not easily distinguished macroscopically. 

26a Corallum white, relatively smooth (Fig. 22)......................................................Caryophyllia spp. 

26b. Corallum gray, with modestly rough exterior........................................................Flabellum spp. 

Caryophyllia alaskensis appears to be common in the central Aleutian Islands. 

Caryophyllia arnoldi is known from the Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound and 

southward. Crispatotrochus foxi (Fig. 23), Desmophyllum dianthus and Paracyathus 

stearnsii, and a Flabellum sp. (Fig. 24) are present but rare in the Aleutian Islands area. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 9 
Hydrocorals – Stylasteridae. 

27a. Colonies encrusting: Stylantheca spp.......................................................................................28 

27b. Colony growth form varies but is generally erect and branching...............................................29 

28a. Normally more then one gastrostyle to each gastropore............................ Stylantheca porphyra 

Ruddy purple in color. Intertidal and shallow subtidal, type locality: Monterey Bay, CA. 

28b. Normally one gastrostyle to each gastropore, gastrostyle robust with rounded summit, 

occupying most of gastropore.................................................................Stylantheca pterograpta 

Brownish pink, red, or violet in color. Intertidal shallow subtidal, type locality: Sitka, AK. 

28c. Gastrostyle slightly conical, pointed.......................................................... Stylantheca papillosa 

Reddish brown in color. Shallow subtidal, type locality: Coal Harbor, AK. 

29a. Colonies form broad, solid plate-like lamella............................................................................30 

29b. Colonies erect, bushy to fan-shaped (flabellate), secondary branches robust............................31 

29c. Colonies erect, bushy to fabellate, secondary branches generally long and fragile....................32 

30a. Cyclosystems distributed on the face of lamellar branches, lamella broad and flattened 

(Fig. 25)........................................................................................................Cyclohelia lamellata 

30b. Cyclosystems arranged as pores in a lateral ridge on the edge of lamellar branches, 

Branches fattened, relatively narrow (Fig. 26)...........................................Distichopora borealis 

30c. Cyclosystems scattered over the face of flattened, broad branches rough 

surface..........................................................................................................Errinopora nanneca 

31a. Colony branches robustly palmate, rough surface (Fig. 27)..................... Errinopora zarhyncha 

31b. Colony branches prong-like (Fig. 28)........................................................Errinopora pourtalesi 

32a. Cyclosytems bearing fixed lids (Fig. 29)..................................................Crypthelia trophostega 

32b. Cyclosystems without fixed lids: Stylaster spp.........................................................................33 

33a. Cyclosystems randomly placed around branches: Stylaster Group A......................................34 

33b. Cyclosystems arranged sympodially, some cyclosytems on front and back faces of main 

branches: Stylaster Group B.....................................................................................................37 

33c. Cyclosystems arranged sympodially, but a few cyclosystems on front and back faces of main 

branches: Stylaster Group C.....................................................................................................39 

10 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Stylaster Group A 

34a. Colony robust with modestly short branches.............................................................................35 

34b. Branches very short, stubby.......................................................................................................36 

35a. Cyclosystems projecting, giving the colony a rough appearance on all surfaces........................... 

..............................................................................................................................Stylaster brochi


35b. Cyclosystems coarse on back of branches (Fig. 30)..................................Stylaster moseleyanus


36a. Cyclosystems small, < 0.8 mm diameter, pink to violet color (Fig. 31).............Stylaster verrilli


36b. Cyclosystems large, 1.0-1.25 mm diameter, orange to pink color....................Stylaster venustus


36c. Cyclosystems large, rounded, orange to pink color.......................................Stylaster stejnergeri


Stylaster Group B 

37a. All cyclosystems solitary (Fig. 32)...............................................................Stylaster campylecus 

37b. Some cyclosystems fused in group of 2-3......................................................Stylaster polyorchis 

Stylaster Group C 

38a. Longitudinal ridges and wrinkles on cyclosystems, skeletal stems and branches..........................


........................................................................................................................Stylaster alaskanus


38b. Surface of cyclosystems, skeleton, and branches without ridges and wrinkles..........................39


39a. Colony uniplanar, no or few anastomoses..................................................Stylaster elassotomus


39b. Colony uniplanar, branches with numerous anastomoses (Fig. 33).............Stylaster cancellatus


Black Corals–Antipatharia 

40a. Colony dendritically branched, bushy with pinnules on all sides of the branch (Fig. 34)..............


...........................................................................................................................Chrysopathes sp.


40b. Colony pinnately branched, with pinnules on only two sides of stems and branches................41


41a. Pinnules in two lateral rows (Fig. 35)................................................................Bathypathes spp.


41b. Pinnules in four lateral rows (Fig. 36)...................................................................Lillipathes ssp.


Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 11 
LIST OF FIGURES


Figure 1. Clavularia sp. – This stolon coral encrusts as a thin layer over hard surfaces. Orange, pink, 

or white when fresh (D. Banard). 

Figure 2. Gersemia sp. – Brain-like shape when contracted; white, red or purple color; no hard 

skeleton; can expand to considerable size when undisturbed. (P. Malecha). 

Figure 3. Anthomastus sp. – Rather small mushroom-shaped colonies with a thick stalk and broad, 

hemispherical cap; cap bearing large retractable polyps; color red, pink, yellow, or tan, polyps 

may be lighter or darker than cap (D. Banard). 

Figure 4. Keratoisis sp. – Corallum white, bone-like, segmented; calcareous internodes joined by 

dark brown horny nodes: branching from calcareous internodes. Living polyps are red to 

bright orange (P. Malecha). 

Figure 5. Isidella sp.– Corallum white, bone-like, segmented; calcareous internodes joined by dark, 

horny nodes; branching from horny nodes. Living polyps are red to orange (R. Clark). 

Figure 6. Paragorgia arborea –Tree-like colony, branching in several planes; polyps small, rosetteshaped, well-spaced, evertible; branches massive, rounded, brick red, orange, yellow, or 

cream-colored; skeleton soft, easily broken (P. Malecha). 

Figure 7. Calcigorgia spiculifera – Tree-like colony, branching in many planes; live polyps pink to 

white (A. Simpson). 

Figure 8. Muriceides nigra – Tree-like colony, branching in several planes; live polyps brown on a 

greenish yellow base (A. Simpson). 

12 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 9. Swiftia pacifica – Small, rubbery-appearing sea fans; branches forming net-like 

reticulations; color bright red in life (P. Malecha). 

Figure 10. Swiftia simplex – A tall slender species with few branches; brick-red color in life 

(P. Malecha).

Figure 11. Amphilaphis sp. – Fan-like colony, small orange polyps (D. Barnard) 

Figure 12. Plumarella sp. – Fan-like colony; live polyps white to pink (D.Barnard). 

Figure 13. Thouarella sp. – Bushy, tree-like colony, branching in many planes; live polyps golden 

brown (D. Barnard). 

Figure 14. Thouarella superba – Closely packed thick fan-like colony, white to orange or red color 

(A. Simpson).

Figure 15. Primnoa pacifica – Large tree-like colony, live polyps orange to red (J. Andersen). 

Figure 16. Fanellia compressa – Candelabra-like colony, live polyps pink to orange (P. Malecha). 

Figure 17. Arthrogorgia utinomii – Tree-like colony, branches in a single plane; segments large and 

strongly angular, color orange (P. Malecha). 

Figure 18. Protoptilum sp. – Small to medium sea pen, white with widely spaced polyps. 

(P. Malecha).

Figure 19. Ptilosarcus gurneyi – Stout sea pens with relatively large leaves (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 13 
Figure 20. Halipterus willemoesi – Large sea whip with relatively small dense leaves (P. Malecha). 

Figure 21. Javania borealis – Often large, distinctly oval chalice (A. Simpson). 

Figure 22. Caryophyllia alaskensis – Calice small, relatively robust, cone-shaped; septa numerous, 

center of calice with large bundle of columella; animal pale orange, pink, or red (D. Barnard). 

Figure 23. Crispatotrochus foxi – Similar to Caryophyllia alaskensis, but smaller, fewer septa, and 

smaller bundle of columella (R. Clark ). 

Figure 24. Flabellum sp. Resembles a small Javania, but with a very small base, skeleton gray 

color; a, oral view; b lateral view (S. Cairns). 

Figure 25. Cyclohelia lamellata – Colony relatively thin, lamellar, ruffled, or rose-formed, 

gastropore and dactylopores rather evenly distributed on all surfaces; reddish or orange-pink, 

whitish at the edges (D. Barnard). 

Figure 26. Distichopora borealis – Colony rather fragile, flattened, uniplanar; gastropores and 

dactylopores mostly restricted to grove at the edge of branches, front and back of colony rather 

smooth except for gonopore blisters; color pale buff to orange (D. Barnard). 

Figure 27. Errinopora zarhyncha – Colony robust, very rough, multiplanar; branches finger-like; 

dactylotome projection very large (1-2 mm), and crowded on all surfaces; color 

ochraceous-buff to light orange (D. Barnard). 

Figure 28. Errinopora pourtalesi – Colony moderately robust, rough, color pink to lavender with 

white tips (A. Simpson). 

14 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 29. Crypthelia trophostega – Colony rather fragile; branches long, finger-like; cyclosystems 

very large and bearing cap-like fixed lids; color white or pale buff (D. Barnard). 

Figure 30. Stylaster moseleyanus – Colony robust, uniplanar; main branches flattened on front, 

rounded and smooth on back; cyclosystems barely projecting if at all, nearly absent on back, 

sparse, well-spaced on front, numerous on lateral surfaces; color white, buff or light pinkorange (D. Barnard). 

Figure 31. Stylaster verrilli – Colony short, stubby branches with blunt tips, color pink to violet 

(P. Malecha).

Figure 32. Stylaster campylecus – Colony robust, branching primarily in one plane, polyp pores 

projecting, mostly on front and lateral surfaces of branches; back of colony usually smooth; 

color white, buff, pink, or pale orange (Clark 1999). 

Figure 33. Stylaster cancellatus – Colony rather delicate, smooth uniplanar; branches coalescing, 

secondary branches anastomosed; color pale orange-pink (J. Andersen). 

Figure 34. Chrysopathes speciosa – A bushy delicate species when dried; dark tan when fresh 

(P. Malecha).

Figure 35. Bathypathes patula – Pinnules in two lateral rows, bright red polyps when fresh 

(P. Malecha).

Figure 36. Lillipathes lilliei – Pinnules in four lateral rows, red polyps when fresh (P. Malecha). 

Appendix Figure 1. Close-up of surface of Cyclohelia lamellata showing cyclosystems, 

gastropores, and dactylopores (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 15 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

We thank Drs. Frederick M. Bayer and Stephen D. Cairns of the Smithsonian Institution for 

assistance in identifying many of the octocorals, hydrocorals, and scerlactinian corals. Dr. Dennis M. 

Opresko of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory identified the antipatharian corals. Dr. Gary C. 

Williams of the California Academy of Sciences confirmed identification of the sea pens and sea 

whips. Drs. Bayer, Cairns, and Opresko also reviewed the manuscript. Mr. Alberto Linder, Duke 

University, reviewed the manuscript with special attention to the hydrocorals. Staff members of the 

Auke Bay Laboratory and the Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division 

of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center collected specimens of corals during longline and trawling 

surveys along the Alaska coast. Robert Stone and Patrick Malecha, Auke Bay Laboratory and Anne

Simpson, University of Maine, provided photographs of corals observed during work from the 

manned submersible Nekton Delta. Patrick Malecha took additional photographs of specimens in the 

laboratory. Roger Clark took many photographs during trawling surveys for the RACE Division and 

reviewed the manuscript. Observers and staff of the Aleutian Island/Bering Sea Crab Fishery Observer Program of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game provided specimens, and J. Andersen 

provided photographs from the Aleutian Islands archipelago and the trials of the earlier version of the 

field guide. 

16 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
CITATIONS


Bayer, F. M. 1981. Key to the genera of Octocorallia, exclusive of Pennatulacea (Coelenterata: 

Anthozoa), with diagnoses of new taxa. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 93(3):902-947. 

Bayer, F. M., M. Grasshof, and J. Verseveldt. 1983. Illustrated trilingual glossary of morphological 

and anatomical terms applied to Octocorallia. E. J. Brill/Dr. W. Backhuys, Leiden. 74 p. 

Cairns, S. D. 1983. A generic revision of the Stylasterina (Coelenterata: Hydrozoa), Part 1, descrip 

tions of the genera. Bull. Mar. Sci. 33(20):427-508. 

Cairns, S. D. 1994. Scleractina of the Temperate North Pacific. Smithsonian Contributions to 

Zoology No. 557, 150 p. 

Clark, R. N. 1997. Invertebrates of the Aleutian Islands. Unpublished guide. NOAA/ NMFS Alaska 

Fisheries Science Center, Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division. 7600 

Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. 2p. + 84 pl. 

Clark, R. N. 1999. Gulf of Alaska invertebrates. Unpublished guide. NOAA/ NMFS Alaska Fisheries 

Science Center, Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division. 7600 Sand 

Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. 12 p. + 84pl. 

Fisher, W. K. 1938. Hydrocorals of the North Pacific Ocean. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 84:493-554, 

pls. 34-76. 

Naumov, D. V. 1960. Hydroids and Hydromedusae of the USSR. Keys to the fauna of the USSR 

published by the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, No. 70: 600 p., 30 pls, 463 figs. 

(Translated from Russian by Israel Program for Scientific Translations, 1969). 

Williams, G. C. 1995. Living genera of sea pens (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Pennatulacea):

 illustrated keys and synopses. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 113:93-140. 

Wing, B. L., and D. R. Barnard. 2002. Preliminary keys to the Alaskan corals. Alaska Department of 

Fish and Game, 211 Mission Road, Kodiak, AK 99615. 22 p. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 17 
SUPPORTING REFERENCES


Bayer. F. M. 1952. Two new species of Arthrogorgia (Goronacea [sic]: Primnoidae) from the 

Aleutian Islands region. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 65:63-70, pls. 2-3. 

Bayer, F. M. 1982. Some new and old species of the Primnoid genus Callogorgia Gray with a 

revision of the related genus Fanellia Gray (Coelenterata: Anthozoa). Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 

95:116-160. 

Bayer, F. M. 1996. The gorgonian genus Arthrogorgia (Octocorallia: Primnoidae). Proc. Biol. Soc. 

Wash. 109(4):605-628. 

Broch, H.H. 1935. Oktocorallen des nordlichsten Pazifischen Ozeans und ihre beziehungen zur 

atlantischen fauna. Avhandl. Norske Videnskaps Akad. Oslo (matem.-Naturavid. Klasse 1935 

(1): 1-53, figs. 1-21. 

Cairns, S. D. 1991. Cyclohelia lamellata, a new genus and species of Stylasteridae (Cnidaria: 

Hydrozoa) from the Bering sea. Pac. Sci. 45:4383-388. 

Dall, W. H. 1884. On some Hydrocorallinae from Alaska and California. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 

2:111-115. 

Kessler, D. W. 1985. Alaska’s saltwater fishes and other sea life. Alaska Northwest Publishing Co., 

Anchorage, AK, 358 p. 

Nutting, C. C. 1909. Alcyonaria of the Californian coast. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 35:681-727, 

pls. 84-91. 

Nutting, C. C. 1912. Descriptions of the Alcyonaria collected by the U. S. Fisheries Steamer 

“Albatross,” mainly in Japanese waters, during 1906. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 43:1-104, pls. 

1021. 

Opresko, D. M. 2003. Revision of the Anthipatharia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). Part III. Cladopathidae. 

Zool. Med. Leiden 77(31):495-536, figs. 1-19. 

18 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division (RACE). 2002. A working field guide 

to trawl caught animals based on D. W. Kessler’s Alaska’s Saltwater Fishes and Other Sea 

Life. Vol. 2 (Miscellaneous Invertebrates). NOAA/ NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 

Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division. 7600 Sand Point Way NE, 

Seattle, WA 98115. 

Sanchez, J. A., and S. D. Cairns. In Press. An unusual new gorgonian coral (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) 

from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Zool. Med. Leiden78, 00, iii, 2004:000-000, figs. 1-8. 

Verrill, A. E. 1878. Description of a new species of Paragorgia from Jervis Inlet, B.C. Can. Nat. 

8:476. 

Williams, G. C. 1999. Index Pennatulacea: Annotated bibliography and indexes of the sea pens 

(Coelenterata: Octocorallia) of the world 1469-1999. Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. 51(2):19-103, 

14 pls., 1 fig. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 19 
APPENDIX I - GLOSSARY


ANASTOMOSES: The connections of separate parts of a branching system to form networks, as 

veins in leaves. 

ANTHOCODIA: The distal part of an octocoral polyp, bearing the mouth and tentacles. 

ANTHOSTELE: The proximal, rigid part of some octocoral polyps, often stiffened by sclerites and 

into which the anthocodia may be withdrawn; equivalent to calyx. 

BUSHY: Colonies with abundant branches arising immediately above the holdfast and not forming 

an obvious main stem. 

CALCAREOUS: Composed of or containing calcium carbonate (limestone); chalky. 

CALCIFIED: Stony or chalky from the deposition of calcium salts. 

CALYX (pl. CALYCES): Cup-like structure containing an octocoral polyp. 

CALICE: The cup-shaped skeleton of scleractinians. 

COENENCHYME: The soft tissue covering the skeleton or forming the body of cnidarians. 

COLUMELLA: A small column-like structure forming a cental axis in a scleractinian chalice. 

CONTRACTILE POLYP: A polyp that can diminish in size without introversion or retraction. 

CORALLUM: The skeleton of an entire colony. 

CORNUTE: Shaped like a horn, chalice, or cup. 

CYCLOSYSTEMS: Cluster of hydrocoral polyps in which the gastropore is surrounded by a group 

of dactylopores. 

DACTYLOPORES: Small pores housing defensive hydrocoral polyps. 

DENDRITICAL: Shaped like a tree, branching. 

DICHOTOMOUS BRANCHED: Branched colonies in which the branching pattern is a 

repeated bifurcation. 

DISCOIDAL: Having a flat circular form; disk-shaped. 

ENCRUSTING: Colonies consisting of a thick fleshy layer covering a hard substrate. 

FABELLATE: Fan-shaped. 

GASTROPORE: Pores in the hard skeleton of a hydrocoral that accommodate the feeding polyps. 

GASTROSTYLE: Small central support column of the feeding polyps of a hydrocoral . 

20 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
HORNY: Resembling the material that makes up horns of cattle.


INTERNODE: The hard calcareous segment of some octocorals in the family Isididae.


LAMELLA: Thin plate or leaf-like forms.


LID: A cap-like structure covering the gastropore of some hydrocorals. .


MATRIX: The formative cells or tissue of an organism.


NODE: The flexible horny joint in corals of the family Isididae.


PALMATE: Having a shape similar to a hand with fingers extended.


PEDUNCLE: The base of the stalk or stem of sea whips and sea pens.


PINNATE: Branched colonies in which the branching patten is feather-like, with the branchlets in


one plane. 

PINNULES: Smallest branchlets of an antipatharian colony, relatively uniform in size and 

arrangement. 

POINTS: The eight rows of chevron-shaped sclerites in the distal part of an octocoral anthocodia. 

POLYP: Any individual of a cnidarian colony regardless of anatomical structure; a cylindrical body 

and an oral opening usually surrounded by tentacles. 

RACHIS: The terminal or distal portion of the pennatulacean colony, which bears the feeding polyps. 

RETRACTILE POLYP: A polyp in which the ANTHOCODIA can invert into the ANTHOSTELE 

or into the COENENCHYME. 

ROBUST: Powerfully built, sturdy. 

SCLERITE: A calcareous plate or spicule found in Octocorals 

SEPTA: The calcareous partitions of sclaractinian chalices. 

SPICULE: A small needle-like structure of silicate or calcium supporting soft tissue (=SPICULE). 

SUMMIT: The highest part or point, the top. 

SYMPODIAL: Dichotomous branching of secondary branches in which the cyclostems are on 

alternate branches giving a zigzag appearance. 

UNIPLANAR: Occurring in one plane. 

WHORL: An arrangement of three or more branches or polyps radiating from a single node. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 21 
APPENDIX II – CORAL SPECIES REPORTED FROM ALASKA


This list includes the “corals” currently known to have been identified from Alaskan waters. The 

list has been drawn from published and unpublished sources. The validity of identification in some 

of these sources is not known, especially for the non-peer reviewed reports and unpublished data 

files. In many cases, the names are from field identifications and voucher specimens were not kept; 

therefore, the identifications could not be confirmed by acknowledged taxonomists. Additionally, 

the status of some of the names has not been resolved. Thus, this list undoubtly includes synonyms 

as well as misidentifications. Several genera and species tentatively identified by the senior author 

have been excluded from the list because we have not received confirming identification from authorities for those specific groups. 

PHYLUM CNIDARIA (= COELENTERATA) 

CLASS ANTHOZOA

 Subclass Alcyonaria

 Order Alcyonacea (Soft Corals)

 Suborder Stolinifera (Stolon Corals)

 Family Clavulariidae 

Clavularia cf. Evagorga incrustans Brock, 1936.........................................................Figure 1 

Clavularia moresbii Hickson, 1915 

Clavularia sp.

 Suborder Alcyoniina (True Soft Corals)

 Family Alcyoniidae 

Anthomastus japonicus Nutting, 1912 

Anthomastus cf. japonicus Nutting, 1912 

Anthomastus ritteri Nutting, 1901 

Anthomastus sp.............................................................................................................Figure 3 

22 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
 Family Nephtheidae 

Gersema rubiformis (Ehrenberg, 1834)........................................................................Figure 2 

Gersemia sp.

 Order Gorgonecea

 Suborder Scleraxonia1

 Family Paragorgiidae 

Paragorgia arborea (Linnaeus, 1758)..........................................................................Figure 6 

Paragorgia pacifica Verrill, 1878 (possibly a diminutive subspecies of P. arborea) 

Paragorgia sp.

 Family Coralliidae 

Corallium sp. (Not included in key)


 Suborder Holaxonia (Horny Corals)


 Family Acanthogorgiidae


Calcigorgia beringi (Nutting, 1912)


Calcigorgia spiculifera Broch, 1935............................................................................Figure 7


Calcigorgia sp.


 Family Keroeidididae


 cf. Ideogorgia sp.


 Family Plexauridae 

Alaskagorgia aleutiana Sanchez and Carins, 2004 

Euplexaura marki Kükenthal,1913 

Euplexaura sp. 

Muriceides cylindrica Nutting, 1912 

Muriceides cf. cylindrica Nutting, 1912 

Muriceides nigra Nutting, 1912................................................................................... Figure 8 

Muriceides sp. 

1

The order Gorgonacea of many classifications has been divided into the suborders Scleraxonia, Holaxonia and Calaxonia. 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 23
 Family Paramuriceidae 

Paramuricea sp. 

Swiftia beringi (Nutting, 1912) 

Swiftia pacifica (Nutting, 1912)....................................................................................Figure 9 

Swiftia simplex (Nutting, 1909)..................................................................................Figure 10 

Swiftia sp.

 Suborder Calcaxonia

 Family Primnoidae 

Amphilaphis spp. (3)...................................................................................................Figure 11 

Arthrogorgia kinoshita Bayer, 1952 

Arthrogorgia otsukai Bayer, 1952 

Arthrogorgia utinomii Bayer, 1996............................................................................Figure 17 

Fanellia compressa (Verrill, 1865).............................................................................Figure 16 

Fanellia fraseri (Hickson, 1915) 

Parastenella sp. 

Plumarella flabellata Versluys, 1906 

Plumarella longispina Kinoshita, 1908 

Plumarella spicata Nutting, 1912 

Plumarella spinosa Kinoshita, 1907 

Plumarella spp............................................................................................................Figure 12 

Primnoa resedaeformis (Gunnerus, 1763) 

Primnoa pacifica Kinoshita, 1907..............................................................................Figure 15 

Primnoa willeyi Hickson, 1915 (possibly a subspecies of P. resedaeformis) 

Thouarella hilgendorfi (Struder, 1878) 

Thouarella striata Kukenthal, 1907 

Thouarella superba Nutting, 1912..............................................................................Figure 14 

Thouarella spp............................................................................................................Figure 13 

24 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals
 Family Isididae 

Isidella paucispinosa (Wright and Struder, 1889) 

Isidella sp......................................................................................................................Figure 5 

Keratoisis profunda (Wright and Struder, 1889) 

Keratoisis sp.................................................................................................................Figure 4 

Lepidisis sp. (This may be just a small unbranched Isidella sp)

 Suborder Pennatulacea (Sea Pens and Sea Whips)

 Family Umbellulidae 

Umbellula lindahli (Kolliker, 1880)

 Family Protoptilidae 

Protoptilum sp.............................................................................................................Figure 18

 Family Anthoptilidae


Anthoptilum grandiflorum (Verrill, 1879)


Anthoptilum murrayi Kölliker, 1880


 Family Virgulariidae 

Halipteris californica (Moroff, 1902) 

Halipteris willemoesi Kölliker, 1870..........................................................................Figure 20 

Halipteris sp. 

Stylatula elongata (Gabb, 1862) 

Stylatula gracilis Verrill, 1864 

Virgularia sp.

 Family Pennatulidae 

Pennatula phosphorea (Linneaus, 1758) 

Ptilosarcus gurneyi Gray, 1860..................................................................................Figure 19 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 25
Subclass Zoantharia

 Order Scleractina (Stony Corals)

 Family Dendrophylliidae 

Balanophyllia elegans Verrill, 1864

 Family Caryophylliidae 

Caryophyllia alaskensis (Vaughan, 1941)..................................................................Figure 22 

Caryophyllia arnoldi Vaughan, 1900 

Caryophyllia sp. 

Crispatotrochus foxi (Durhan and Barnard, 1952).....................................................Figure 23 

Paracyanthus stearnsii Verrill, 1869

 Family Flabellidae 

Flabellum sp................................................................................................................Figure 24 

Javania borealis Cairns, 1994....................................................................................Figure 21 

Javania cailleti (Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1864)

 Family Fungiacyathidae


Fungiacyathus marenzelleri (Vaughn, 1906)


 Family Micrabaciidae


Leptopenus discus Moseley, 1881


 Order Antipatharia (Black or Thorny Corals)

 Family Cladopathidae 

Chrysopathes speciosa Opresko, 2003.......................................................................Figure 34

 Family Schizopathidae 

Bathypathes alternata Brook, 1889 

Bathypathes patula Brook, 1889.................................................................................Figure 35 

Bathypathes sp. 

Dendrobathypathes sp. (not included in key) 

26 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Lillipathes lilliei (Totten, 1923)..................................................................................Figure 36 

Lillipathes sp. 

Parantipathes sp. 

CLASS HYDROZOA

 Order Filifera (Hydrocorals)

 Family Stylasteridae 

Cyclohelia lamellata Cairns, 1991..............................................................................Figure 25 

Cyclohelia sp. 

Crypthelia trophostega Fisher, 1938..........................................................................Figure 29 

Distichopora borealis Fisher, 1938............................................................................Figure 26 

Distichopora sp. 

Errinopora nanneca Fisher, 1938 

Errinopora pourtalesi (Dall, 1884).............................................................................Figure 28 

Errinopora stylifera (Broch, 1935) 

Errinopora zarhyncha Fisher, 1938............................................................................Figure 27 

Errinopora sp. 

cf. Stenohelia sp. (not in key) 

Stylantheca porphyra Fisher, 1931 

Stylantheca papillosa (Dall, 1884) 

Stylantheca petrograpta (Fisher, 1938) 

Stylaster alaskanus Fisher, 1938 

Stylaster brochi (Fisher, 1938) 

Stylaster campylecus campylecus (Fisher, 1938) 

Stylaster campylecus parageus (Fisher, 1938)...........................................................Figure 32 

Stylaster campylecus trachystomus (Fisher, 1938) 

Stylaster campylecus tylotus (Fisher, 1938) 

Stylaster cancellatus Fisher, 1938..............................................................................Figure 33 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 27 
Stylaster elassotomus Fisher, 1938


Stylaster moseleyanus (Fisher, 1938)......................................................................... Figure 30


Stylaster polyorchis (Fisher, 1938)


Stylaster stejnegeri (Fisher, 1938)


Stylaster venustus (Verrill, 1870)


Stylaster verrillii (Dall, 1884)..................................................................................... Figure 31


28 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
FIGURES
Figure 1-- Clavularia sp. – This stolon coral encrusts as a thin layer over hard surfaces. 

Orange, pink, or white when fresh (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 31 
Figure 2. -- Gersemia sp. – Brain-like shape when contracted; white, red or purple color; no hard 

skeleton; can expand to considerable size when undisturbed. (P. Malecha). 

32 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 3. -- Anthomastus sp. – Rather small mushroom-shaped colonies with a thick stalk and broad, 

hemispherical cap; cap bearing large retractable polyps; color red, pink, yellow, or tan, polyps 

may be lighter or darker than cap (D. Banard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 33 
Figure 4. -- Keratoisis sp. – Corallum white, bone-like, segmented; calcareous internodes joined by 

dark brown horny nodes: branching from calcareous internodes. Living polyps are red to 

bright orange (P. Malecha). 

34 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 5. -- Isidella sp . – Corallum white, bone-like, segmented; calcareous internodes joined by 

dark, horny nodes; branching from horny nodes. Living polyps are red to orange (R. Clark). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 35 
Figure 6. -- Paragorgia arborea – Tree-like colony, branching in several planes; polyps small, 

rosette-shaped, well-spaced, evertible; branches massive, rounded, brick red, orange, yellow, 

or cream-colored; skeleton soft, easily broken (P. Malecha). 

36 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 7. -- Calcigorgia spiculifera – Tree-like colony, branching in many planes; live polyps pink to 

white (A. Simpson). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 37 
Figure 8.-- Muriceides nigra – Tree-like colony, branching in several planes; live polyps brown on a 

greenish yellow base (A. Simpson). 

38 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 9. -- Swiftia pacifica – Small, rubbery-appearing sea fans; branches forming net-like 

reticulations; color bright red in life (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 39 
Figure 10. -- Swiftia simplex – A tall slender species with few branches; brick-red color in life

 (P. Malecha).

40 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 11. -- Amphilaphis sp. – Fan-like colony, small orange polyps (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 41 
Figure 12. -- Plumarella sp. – Fan-like colony; live polyps white to pink (D.Barnard). 

42 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 13. -- Thouarella sp. – Bushy, tree-like colony, branching in many planes; live polyps 

golden brown (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 43 
Figure 14. -- Thouarella superba – Closely packed thick fan-like colony, white to orange or 

red color (A. Simpson). 

44 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 15. -- Primnoa pacifica – Large tree-like colony, live polyps orange to red (J. Andersen). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 45 
Figure 16. -- Fanellia compressa – Candelabra-like colony, live polyps pink to orange 

(P. Malecha).

46 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 17. -- Arthrogorgia utinomii – Tree-like colony, branches in a single plane; segments 

large and strongly angular, color orange (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 47 
Figure 18. -- Protoptilum sp. – Small to medium sea pen, white with widely spaced polyps. 

(P. Malecha).

48 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 19. -- Ptilosarcus gurneyi – Stout sea pens with relatively large leaves (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 49 
Figure 20. -- Halipterus willemoesi – Large sea whip with relatively small dense leaves (see 

inset) (P. Malecha). 

50 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 21. -- Javania borealis – Often large, distinctly oval chalice (A. Simpson). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 51 
Figure 22. -- Caryophyllia alaskensis – Calice small, relatively robust, cone-shaped; septa 

numerous, center of calice with large bundle of columella; animal pale orange, pink, 

or red (D. Barnard). 

52 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 23. -- Crispatotrochus foxi – Similar to Caryophyllia alaskensis, but smaller, fewer 

septa, and smaller bundle of columella (R. Clark ). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 53 
Figure 24. -- Flabellum sp. Resembles a small Javania, but with a very small base, skeleton 

gray color; a, oral view; b lateral view (S. Cairns). 

54 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 25. -- Cyclohelia lamellata – Colony relatively thin, lamellar, ruffled, or rose-formed, 

gastropore and dactylopores rather evenly distributed on all surfaces; reddish or 

orange-pink, whitish at the edges (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 55 
Figure 26. -- Distichopora borealis – Colony rather fragile, flattened, uniplanar; gastropores 

and dactylopores mostly restricted to grove at the edge of branches, front and back of 

colony rather smooth except for gonopore blisters; color pale buff to orange 

(D. Barnard).

56 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 27. -- Errinopora zarhyncha – Colony robust, very rough, multiplanar; branches 

finger-like; dactylotome projection very large (1-2 mm), and crowded on all surfaces; 

color ochraceous-buff to light orange (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 57 
Figure 28. -- Errinopora pourtalesi – Colony moderately robust, rough, color pink to 

lavender with white tips (A. Simpson). 

58 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 29. -- Crypthelia trophostega – Colony rather fragile; branches long, finger-like; 

cyclosystems very large and bearing cap-like fixed lids; color white or pale buff 

(D. Barnard).

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 59 
Figure 30. -- Stylaster moseleyanus – Colony robust, uniplanar; main branches flattened on 

front, rounded and smooth on back; cyclosystems barely projecting if at all, nearly 

absent on back, sparse, well-spaced on front, numerous on lateral surfaces; color 

white, buff or light pink-orange (D. Barnard). 

60 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 31. -- Stylaster verrilli – Colony short, stubby branches with blunt tips, color pink to 

violet (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 61 
Figure 32. -- Stylaster campylecus – Colony robust, branching primarily in one plane, polyp 

pores projecting, mostly on front and lateral surfaces of branches; back of colony 

usually smooth; color white, buff, pink, or pale orange (Clark 1999). 

62 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 33. -- Stylaster cancellatus – Colony rather delicate, smooth uniplanar; branches 

coalescing, secondary branches anastomosed; color pale orange-pink (J. Andersen). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 63 
Figure 34. -- Chrysopathes speciosa – A bushy delicate species when dried; dark tan when 

fresh (P. Malecha). 

64 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Figure 35. -- Bathypathes patula – Pinnules in two lateral rows, bright red polyps when 

fresh (P. Malecha). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 65 
Figure 36 --. Lillipathes lilliei – Pinnules in four lateral rows, red polyps when fresh 

(P. Malecha).

66 Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 
Appendix Figure 1. -- Close-up of surface of Cyclohelia lamellata showing cyclosystems, 

gastropores, and dactylopores (D. Barnard). 

Field Guide to Alaskan Corals 67 
RECENT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUMS


Copies of this and other NOAA Technical Memorandums are available from the 

National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22167 

(web site: www.ntis.gov). Paper and microfiche copies vary in price. 

AFSC145 RUGH, D. J., B. A. MAHONEY, and B. K. SMITH. 2004. Aerial surveys of beulga whales in Cook Inlet, 

Alaska, between June 2001 and June 2002, 26 p. NTIS number pending. 

144 ANGLISS, R. A., and K. L. LODGE. 2004. Alaska marine mammal stock assessments, 2003, 224 p. 

NTIS number pending. 

143 ZENGER, H. H. JR. 2004. Data report: 2002 Aleutian Islands bottom trawl survey, 247 p. NTIS No. 

PB2004-105068. 

142 STEVENSON, D. E. 2004. Identification of skates, sculpins, and smelts by observers in North Pacific 

groundfish fisheries (2002-2003), 67 p. NTIS No. PB2004-105817. 

141 HOFF, G. R., and L. L. BRITT. 2003. The 2002 eastern Bering Sea upper continental slope survey of 

groundfish and invertebrate resources, 261 p. NTIS No. PB2004-101668. 

140 STONE, R. P., and M. M. MASUDA. 2003. Characteristics of benthic sediments from areas open and 

closed to bottom trawling in the Gulf of Alaska., 40 p. + Appendices (111 p.). NTIS No. PB2004-100650 

139 JOHNSON, S. W., M. L. MURPHY, D. J. CSEPP, P. M. HARRIS, and J. F. THEDINGA. 2003. A survey 

of fish assemblages in eelgrass and kelp habitats of southeastern Alaska, 39 p. NTIS No. PB2004-

100139. 

138 PEREZ, M. A. 2003. Compilation of marine mammal incidental take data from the domestic and joint 

venture groundfish fisheries in the U.S. EEZ of the North Pacific, 1989-2001, 145 p. NTIS No. PB2004-

100649 

137 MASELKO, J. M., A. C. WERTHEIMER, and J. F. THEDINGA. 2003. Selection and application of a markand-recapture technique for estimating pink salmon escapements, 44 p. NTIS No. PB2003-107101. 

136 BARBEAUX, S. J., and M. W. DORN. 2003. Spatial and temporal analysis of eastern Bering Sea echo 

integration-trawl survey and catch data of walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, for 2001 and 2002, 

34 p. NTIS No. PB2003-106479. 

135 DIETER, B. E., D. A. WION, and R. A. MCCONNAUGHEY. 2003. Mobile fishing gear effects on benthic 

habitats: A bibliography (second edition), 207 p. NTIS No. PB2003-105080. 

134 ROBSON, B. W. (editors). 2002. Fur seal investigations, 2000-2001, 80 p. NTIS No. PB2003-103825. 

133 ANGLISS, R. A., and K. L. LODGE. 2002. Alaska marine mammal stock assessments, 2002, 224 p. 

NTIS PB2003-103793. 

132 DOYLE, M. J.., M. S. BUSBY, J. T. DUFFY-ANDERSON, S. J. PICQUELLE, and A. C. MATARESE. 

2002. Aspects of the early life history of capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the northwestern Gulf of Alaska: A 

historical perspective based on larval collections October 1977- March 1979, 32 p. NTIS No. PB2002-

102535. 

131 SEASE, J. L., and C. J. GUDMUNDSON. 2002. Aerial and land-based surveys of Steller sea lions 

(Eumetopias jubatus) from the western stock in Alaska, June and July 2001 and 2002, 45 p. NTIS No. 

PB2003-102164.