C. elegans is also sorted into the family Primnoidae, which is classified mainly by its formation of colonies and branches, dichotomous arrangement of polyps, and sclerite form and number.

[4] Numerous tubercules cover the central inner surface of the species’ scales, anchoring them in the mesoglea, found between the entoderm and ectoderm.

[5] C. elegans is found at benthic (bottom) levels within the depths of 280-480 meters from the southern area of the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain in the North Pacific Ocean.

Like other anthozoans, C. elegans use these nematocysts to capture prey, which typically include the algae that reside on their polyps and the fish that hide from larger predators within the branches of the coral.

C. elegans is a sessile, or immobile species, like other corals, making it an ideal place for these small fish to hide.

Reproduction in the genus Callogorgia has yet to be studied, although species in the family Primnoidae have been known for coral spawning where gametes are released into the water and eventually settle at the ocean floor.