Alternatipathes Molodtsova & Opresko, 2017

Lü, Ting, Zhan, Zifeng, Li, Yang & Xu, Kuidong, 2024, Alternatipathes longispina sp. nov. and Bathypathes longicaulis sp. nov., two black corals (Antipatharia, Schizopathidae) from seamounts in the Western Pacific, Zootaxa 5437 (2), pp. 245-261 : 248

Genus Alternatipathes Molodtsova & Opresko, 2017

Diagnosis (following Opresko & Molodtsova 2021). Corallum attached to substrate; monopodial, unbranched or with a few basal branches, and pinnulate. When present, pinnate branches of first order develop from lowermost pinnules of stem. Pinnules simple, arranged alternately (including lowermost pair) in two lateral rows. Length of pinnules on stem and branches decreasing in a distal direction, forming a triangularly shaped outline. Striatum absent. Spines conical, smooth, simple (or rarely forked), with acute to slightly rounded apex and flared base. Spines larger on polypar side of pinnule. Polyps 2–7 mm in transverse diameter.

Type species. Alternatipathes bipinnata Opresko, 2005