Genus Eleutherobia Pütter, 1900

Type species. Eleutherobia japonica Pütter, 1900 by monotypy; = E. rigida (Pütter, 1900) .

Diagnosis. Colonies usually small when contracted with symmetrical, conical to cylindrical polyparium, but branched, lobate, or clavate growth forms may occur. Polyps are monomorphic with large anthocodiae, which are retractile into low rounded to conspicuous coenenchymal mounds. The polyp-free basal portion is usually short, but can occupy up to half of the colony. Found mostly in deep water or restricted to caves and overhangs in shallow waters, and often in small groups. Sclerites include radiates, capstans, double heads, spindles, spheroids; rod-like forms or crosses are sometimes present. Anthocodial sclerites present, arranged in points or collaret and points (McFadden & Ofwegen 2013; Fabricius & Alderslade 2001; Verseveldt & Bayer 1988).