Species of elasmogorgia and euplexaura (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) from Japan with a discussion about the genus Filigella

Abstract

Octocorals with thread-like colony shape have been re-examined, mainly from Japanese waters. The holotypes of Elasmogorgia filiformis and Filigella boninensis and a syntype of F. mitsukurii have been studied. Euplexaura arbuscula is identified and Euplexaura yayoii sp. n. described.