Ellisellidae, J.E.Gray, 1859

Devictor, Susan T. & Morton, Steve L., 2010, Identification guide to the shallow water (0 - 200 m) octocorals of the South Atlantic Bight 2599, Zootaxa 2599 (1), pp. 1-62 : 23

Family Ellisellidae

Octocorals with a highly calcified axis exhibiting a radial pattern in cross section, no hollow core, and sclerites as double heads and clubs. Polyps are contractile but not retractile. The only member of this suborder and family found in the shallow SAB is Viminella barbadensis (but see Remarks section for this species). The highly calcified, unspiculated axis characteristic of members of this suborder makes them easily distinguishable from other gorgonaceans found within the shallow SAB.