Metallogorgia Versluys 1902
This taxon is easily identified by its tall stalk and the abundance of distal branching. While young colonies can have additional branches along the stem, older, taller colonies are typically characterized by important branching at the top of only. Along the stem of these colonies, scars of shed, secondary branches are visible. Colonies are found on hard substrates to which they are attached by a disk-like holdfast. Metallogorgia has always been found in close association with the brittle start Ophiocreas oedipus: the echinoderm has never been found on another coral or substrate, and all Metallogorgia examined were accompanied by an ophiuroid.
Colony monopodia, branching in multiple planes, branches subdividing dichotomously. Dichotomously subdivided branches arising from the top of a tall, upright main stem. Younger, smaller colonies have additional branches arising around the main stem. Older colonies typically bear scars of past side branches along the main stem. Axis strongly calcified, with metallic luster most conspicuous on the secondary branches, the main trunk glossy but almost black. Sclerites in the form of rods and scales, with little ornamentation.