Abstract: Octocorallia corals are widely distributing in shallow to deep coastal waters across tropical, temperate, and even boreal zones and other highlatitude marine waters. Octocorallia play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity and biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Due to the influence of climate change and human activities, Octocorallia shows a trend of continuous decline. The phenomenon of neglecting the natural endowment of native species in marine ecosystems is noticeable, and especially the ecological function of Octocorallia for cephalopod spawning attachment has not yet received sufficient attention. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed the current status and problems of the structure and classification, reproductive characteristics and mode of reproduction, ecological factors and causes of degradation of Octocorallia, and proposed countermeasures and suggestions for the conservation and restoration of Octocorallia. We hope it can provide fundamental information for the implementation of major projects for the conservation and restoration of essential ecosystems in China.