Echinogorgia andamanensis (Thomson & Simpson, 1909) new comb.

Echinomuricea andamanensis Thomson & Simpson, 1909: 203–204, pl. 1, fig. 8; pl. 8, fig. 2 (Andamans).

Opinion: This species occurs in the region.

Justification:

These Indian records are either unconfirmable or seem to be invalid: Thomas et al. 1998: 160–162, fig 1B, 1–3 (off Kollam) as Echinomuricea andmanensis .

Literature analysis:The species was described from the Andamans and is currently accepted as an Echinomuricea, but the colony has branch anastomoses, which is not a trait of Echinomuricea, and the sclerites figured by the authors resemble those from a species of Echinogorgia . Thomas et al. (1998) described a reticulate colony, which combined with their sclerite drawings indicate they had a specimen of an Echinogorgia, but both their account and that of Thomson & Simpson (1909) lack sufficient detail to be able tell if they refer to the same species. Rao & Devi only listed the species.