Gorgonian Sea Fans

Found in caves or under overhangs, of coral and rocky reefs. They grow in a single plane or several planes, with branches growing out of various parts of the main fan, the polyps are non-retractable and are often trumpet shaped.

Most soft corals have no true skeleton and so their bodies are flexible.
Some soft corals have spikes very similar to rose thorns which may help to protect against predators.
Soft corals are food and shelter to many marine animals, some of which hide in the branches and take on the colouration of these corals.