Never seen these before

[KBennett]

What are the multi-coloured things wrapped around the branches in the top right and third photo?

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/first-coral-reef-found-in-iraq

 

[Bayinaung]

looks like snakes lol

 

[Boga]

They say that those are britlestars Ophiothela venusta. There are few comments if you scroll down.