The genus Trichogorgia (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) is composed of mesophotic gorgonians, and has been traditionally included in the Family Chrysogorgiidae. The family is polyphyletic and in need of generic morphological reassessments. Herein, two new species of that genus are described, based on material deposited in the National Museum of Natural History—Smithsonian Institution. Additionally, we provide a taxonomic key to all species of Trichogorgia, also briefly discussing important characters of the group and closely related taxa.

Depth range
12- 1120 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
5 x (total of 3828 words)

Classification
* Reports new species
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Taxonomy

Focusgroups
Octocorallia (Soft Corals)

Locations
Japan
South Africa
USA - Continental Atlantic Ocean

Platforms
Dredging / trawling
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)