A close relative of gorgonians, with which it shares numerous characteristics as an octocoral and alcyonaceous anthozoan cnidarian,

distinguishing itself by belonging to the Corallidae family, Corallium rubrum is the only endemic coral in the Mediterranean. It is present in caves and cracks in the rocky substrate from twenty meters deep up to 200 meters and even more, not needing much light for its survival and because it does not host zooxanthellae. However, it hosts various symbiotic organisms, mostly small molluscs.

As its name suggests, the hard, calcareous supporting structure beneath the soft tissue covering is a vivid pink to deep red, while the polyps that live there and are its creators are whitish, transparent and have eight tentacles with pinnate appendages, through which the colony intercepts the plankton and suspended nutrients it feeds on.

Subject to intense harvesting for centuries, due to its notable commercial value linked to the production of jewelry, red coral is now protected in the Marine Protected Areas where it is found, while elsewhere the quantities taken from the sea have been greatly reduced, especially since fishing is now carried out only by authorized divers.