Verrucella cuddalorensis ( 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 : 99

Verrucella cuddalorensis ( Fernando, 2011) potential new comb. (species status uncertain)

Nicella cuddalorensis Fernando, 2011: 124 , pl. 85, fig. 1–1e (Cuddalore); Fernando et al. 2017: 286, pl. 134, fig. 1–1e (Cuddalore).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region but its true identity is uncertain.

Justification:

Literature analysis: The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical, but the specimen lacks the very large, elongate, subsurface sclerites of Nicella . The anastomosis present in the colony supports the alternative diagnosis that this is a species of Verrucella . Curiously, the authors comment that their material appears “similar to G. granulata (Esper) ”, presumably referring to Gorgonella granulata Esper , which is accepted as Verrucella granulata (Esper) . Without a more detailed analysis and better figures of the sclerites it would be difficult to recognise this species and establish its validity.