Habitat: Inhabit most reef enviroments, especially shallow fringing, patch and back reef areas. Natural History Notes: The gorgonian produces metabolites that deter predation by reef fish. Depth: 3 - 100 ft. Characteristics: From " Reef Coral Identification " (Humann 1993): Colonies form encrusting mats. Extended polyps and tentacles appear as fine hair. When polyps retracted, rind appears smooth and leather-like, and apertures appear as pin-sized pores, rarely with slightly projecting calyces. Tan, underside reddish, apertures often whitish. Size: 3 in. - 3 ft.