Paraplexaura seshaiyaii ( 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 : 68

Paraplexaura seshaiyaii ( Fernando, 2011) potential new comb. (species status uncertain)

Echinogorgia seshaiyaii Fernando, 2011: 62–63 , pl. 38, fig. 1–1e (Pamban): Fernando et al. 2017: 129–130, pl. 59 (Pamban).

Opinion: This taxon does occur in Indian waters but appears to have been originally misidentified.

Justification:

Literature analysis: The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical, but without a more detailed and clearer description of the sclerites and their locations it is difficult to be certain about the generic identity of this species. The author states that the “trident” thornscales cover the surface of the coenenchyme, which would be very unusual for a species of Echinogorgia unless there was very little space between the calyces, and the description does also state that the thornscales are “circularly layered one over the other around the calyces. Further on in the description, however, the text says “the sclerites of the intercalycular spaces are distinctly different from the thornscales. They are massive spindles to irregularly shaped plump sclerites ranging in size up to 0.42 x 0.14 mm. Some of the sclerites are thickened plates, mostly dished at the surface with fine, stony prickes (sic) a few of which are distinctly longer and sharp”. We take this to mean the thornscales are mainly restricted to the calyces and the large thorny blocks, as seen in the figures, dominate the coenenchyme, and therefore this species is much better placed in Paraplexaura : and there are certainly many similarities between it and Paraplexaura manaarensis Fernando, 2011 . In assigning this species to Echinogorgia, Fernando put great emphasis on the presence of thornscales with three processes arising from a complexly warted root. Such thornscales also occur in Paraplexaura as can be seen in Paraplexaura maxima Fernando, 2011 (plate 42, fig 1d) and in Fabricius & Alderslade (2001: 208).