Gorgonians are a type of marine invertebrate belonging to the class Anthozoa and the order Alcyonacea. They are commonly known as sea fans or sea whips and are found in warm, shallow waters, particularly in coral reefs. Gorgonians have a flexible, branching structure made of a protein called gorgonin, which provides support and allows them to sway with ocean currents. These organisms are primarily composed of polyps, which are small, soft-bodied animals that extend their tentacles to capture plankton and small particles for food. Gorgonians play a vital role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat and shelter for various marine species, including fish and invertebrates.