Maasella edwardsii

Maasella is a genus of soft coral in the family Paralcyoniidae. It is monotypic, with only a single species, Maasella edwardsi. Usually of greenish brown or golden brown color, each polyp has eight pinnate tentacles. This soft coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, at depths of between .

==Description== Maasella edwardsi forms small groups in which the polyps are linked by stolons. The anthocodia, the upper part of the polyp, can be fully retracted back into the anthostele, the stiff, lower part. Each anthocodia bears eight tentacles, each with ten to thirteen short pinnules on each side. The anthostele is broader than the anthocodia and is stiffened by calcareous spicules which are sometimes visible as white markings. The polyp has a maximum diameter of and is usually golden brown or greenish-brown, sometimes with a green or transparent white oral disc.