[3] The supporting axial rod in the main stem and branches is formed of gorgonin, calcified to some extent, a flexible and almost unbreakable material.

[3] In G. mariae, the gametes are shed into the coelenteron or body cavity of each polyp and pass through the mouth into the open sea, where fertilisation takes place.

The tentacles, septa, and pharynx begin to develop before the larva settles on its aboral (non-mouth) end and metamorphs into a juvenile sea fan.

[6] The symptoms included tissue dieback, abnormal tufts of growth, and some purpling of affected areas.

Aspergillosis sydowii, a common species found in soil, had not previously been known to affect marine invertebrates.