Lophelia is the commonest reef-building cold-water coral. It has been frequently found in the North Atlantic Ocean, but it is still being discovered in oceans throughout the world.

The genus Madrepora has produced several species, of these Madrepora oculata is associated with cold-water coral reefs. It is much more fragile than Lophelia and is often found among Lophelia colonies.

Paragorgia is a 'Sea Fan' or gorgonian coral. They form the largest individual cold-water coral colonies, with a central trunk which can grow to 3 metres high. These corals form huge fan like colonies, orientated to the direction of current flow.

Goniocorella has not recieved the same research interest that other corals have. It is restricted to the southern hemisphere, and occurs mostly in New Zealand waters and on adjacent oceanic banks.