Eunicella verrucosa (Pallas, 1766)

Gorgonia verrucosa Pallas, 1766: 196–198 (Mediterranean) .

Opinion: There is no evidence that this species occurs in the region.

Justification:

Literature analysis: Originally named Gorgonia verrucosa, this species is a very well-known and common taxon found in the Mediterranean and in the East Atlantic in regions like Portugal and England. The Indian reference is a listing by Kumar et al. (2017: PY-B) where “1766 Scripearia veruucosa Pallas” is cited as a synonym. But the latter species was erected by Simpson (1910) and is a synonym of Viminella verrucosa . Kumar et al. cites Rao & Devi (2003) as their reference where Scripearia veruucosa is listed as occurring in the Andamans with no evidence presented.