Antipatharia

Antipatharia, commonly known as black corals, are an order of marine animals related to corals and sea fans. They form branching, tree-like colonies with dark, hard skeletons made of a protein called chitin. Found mostly in deep or tropical waters, black corals play a role in creating habitats for other marine life. They are slow-growing and have been historically harvested for jewelry, which threatens their populations. Despite their name, black corals are not true corals; they are a distinct group with unique biological characteristics, contributing to the diversity and complexity of marine ecosystems.