Erythropodium pambanensis 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 : 21

Erythropodium pambanensis Fernando, 2011 (species status uncertain)

Erythropodium pambanensis Fernando, 2011: 17–18 , pl. 2, figs. 1a–1f (Pamban); Fernando et al. 2017: 15, pl. 2, fig. 1a–1f (Gulf of Mannar).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region but appears to be wrongly identified.

Justification:

Literature analysis:

The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical but quite possibly represent a new genus. The authors state that “The present is the only tropical Indo-Pacific species {of Erythropodium } known to be reported so far” but an unidentified species was reported from Bali by Fabricius & Alderslade (2001).

A description of Erythropodium caribaeorum was given by Bayer (1961: 75–76: figs. 16 e–g) and clearly shows the form of the characteristic 6-radiate sclerites. The figures of the sclerites provided by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are so small it is hard to see the details, but at least some of them appear to be 8 radiates and others quite irregularly branched, indicating the genus is probably undescribed.