Stichopathes pourtalesi Brook, 1889, the type species of the genus Stichopathes Brook, is redescribed on the basis of an examination of the type material originally identified by de Pourtale`s as Antipathes desbonni Duchassaing and Michelotti and as Antipathes spiralis Pallas. Because the type series consists of multiple species, it was necessary to select a lectotype to clearly define the species. The species is characterized by a spiral, unbranched corallum; triangular, compressed spines, some of which have one or more lobes at the apex; very faint elongate papillae on the surface of the spines extending from near the apex to as much as one-half the distance to the base; and large polyps with long tentacles (in preserved specimens). The species is similar to Stichopathes gracilis (Gray); however, scanning electron microscopy indicates that there are distinct differences between the two species in the microscopic surface ornamentation of the spines.

Redescription of Stichopathes pourtalesi Brook, 1889 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Antipatharia: Antipathidae)

BO, MARZIA;
2015-01-01

Abstract

Stichopathes pourtalesi Brook, 1889, the type species of the genus Stichopathes Brook, is redescribed on the basis of an examination of the type material originally identified by de Pourtale`s as Antipathes desbonni Duchassaing and Michelotti and as Antipathes spiralis Pallas. Because the type series consists of multiple species, it was necessary to select a lectotype to clearly define the species. The species is characterized by a spiral, unbranched corallum; triangular, compressed spines, some of which have one or more lobes at the apex; very faint elongate papillae on the surface of the spines extending from near the apex to as much as one-half the distance to the base; and large polyps with long tentacles (in preserved specimens). The species is similar to Stichopathes gracilis (Gray); however, scanning electron microscopy indicates that there are distinct differences between the two species in the microscopic surface ornamentation of the spines.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11567/812186
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