Identification:
The colony is fan-shaped with few branches, and the branches lie on a single plane. The terminal branches protrude forward, are short, and have spines. The number of polyps is low, typically found on the front surface and arranged in multiple rows, with a diameter of 0.7 mm. The coenenchyme is thin and covered with small bumps (wart-like structures) scattered throughout. The sclerites are eight-sided, with a diameter of 0.05 mm. A few are smaller and cross-shaped. The axis is striated and has small pores beneath each polyp. The axis is dark red with a white core; the ends of the branches are often lighter, ranging to white.
Biology and Ecology:
Long-lived, with very slow growth rates, the species attaches to hard substrates in deep water. It is a heterotrophic gorgonian coral, lacking symbiotic algae, and does not require sunlight.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Deep-water areas of the central and southern Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.
- Global: Indo-Pacific region.
Value:
The axis has high hardness and a beautiful red color, making it suitable for high-end handicrafts.
Status:
Subject to indiscriminate harvesting via trawling. Only a portion of the specimens are recovered, with the majority remaining broken on the deep-sea floor. Population numbers are decreasing, and sightings are becoming less frequent.
Assessment:
Data Deficient (DD).
Conservation Measures:
Included in the Vietnamese Red Book (1992-2000). Further research is needed on distribution, abundance, and biological characteristics to provide a basis for sustainable exploitation and development of this resource.