Astrogorgia anastomosan Fernando, 2011

Ramvilas, Ghosh, Alderslade, Philip & Ranjeet, Kutty, 2023, The taxonomy of Indian gorgonians: an assessment of the descriptive records of gorgonians (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) recorded as occurring in the territorial waters of India, along with neighbouring regions and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the highlighting of perceived unethical practice, Zootaxa 5236 (1), pp. 1-124 : 43

Astrogorgia anastomosan Fernando, 2011 (species status uncertain)

Astrogorgia anastomosan Fernando, 2011: 70–71 , pl. 46, fig. 1–1d ( Puducherry): Fernando et al. 2017: 153, pl. 71, fig. 1–1d (SE coast of India).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region but its status is uncertain. It seems very similar to Astrogorgia cuddalorensis .

Justification:

Literature analysis: The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical, but without detailed descriptions and more images of the sclerites, including the polyp armature, and close-up images of the polyps and calyces it is not possible to distinguish this species from other nominal species. Even then, without a revision of the genus, or examination of the type specimens, it would probably be impossible to assess its validity as a new species. However, the large irregular and branched coenenchymal sclerites are not expected in this genus and it would appear to be closely related to Astrogorgia cuddalorensis Fernando, 2011 , and also has similarities to A. krusadiensis Fernando, 2011 and A. macrosclera Fernando, 2011 .