Colonies of C. elongata form bushy white tufts that attach to hard substrata as well as to hydroids, algae and sponges. Individual zooids are tubular in shape and punctate, sometimes with annular striations apparent. They measure an average of 0.07 X 0.60 mm. The peristome is short and turned outward, often with a small denticle on the distal border. Zooids alternate on branches to form internodes, with approximately 14 - 16 zooids comprising an internode. Internodes are connected via brown to black joints comprised of chitin. The lophophore averages 0.266 mm in diameter and bears 8 tentacles. The mouth is tiny and round, averaging only 18 um in diameter (Winston 1978).