Polycyathus sp.

Filander, Zoleka N., Kitahara, Marcelo V., Cairns, Stephen D., Sink, Kerry J. & Lombard, Amanda T., 2021, Azooxanthellate Scleractinia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) from South Africa, ZooKeys 1066, pp. 1-198 : 1

Polycyathus sp.

Fig. 4L, M

Material examined.

USNM 91677 (1 colony): Eastern margin, 33 km from Port Dunford/ 35 km off Mlalazi Estuary, 29°10'59.99"S, 32°01'59.99"E; 69 m.

Description.

The colony consists of 12 ceratoid to cylindrical corallites that reach ≤ 4.9 mm in H, and bud from a common coenosteum. Calice circular to slightly elliptical (GCD:LCD = 1.0-1.1), calicular margin thin and serrated. Theca glistening and covered by low-profile granules. Costae poorly developed. Corallum predominantly beige; but pali, columella, and base white.

Septa hexamerally arranged in four cycles, the last cycle being incomplete, according to the formula: S1 ≥ S2 > S3 > S4 (≤ 34 septa). S1 most exsert, and as wide or only slightly wider than S2. Both S1-2 with sinuous axial margin, bearing pali which are as thick as septa. S3 not exsert, 3/4 the width of S1-2, and have vertical axial margin. S4 rudimentary. Septal faces granulated and slightly sinuous. Pali present and distinct in all but last septal cycle (14-16 pali). Half-systems with S4, P3 sometimes join neighbouring P2 resulting in a V-shaped appearance. All paliform lobes terminate at same level and form a crown encircling columella. Paliform lobes sometimes indistinguishable from columellar elements. Fossa of moderate depth containing a papillose columella composed of a group of fairly spaced rods.

Distribution.

Regional: Eastern margin, Port Dunford; 69 m.

Remarks.

Although corallites of the examined colony are mostly damaged, features that characterise the genus are still distinguishable. However, more specimens are required to enable a thorough comparison to the other Polycyathus representatives. This colony represents a new record of the genus in South Africa.

Figures

Figure 4. A, B Heterocyathus alternatus (ORI _ DIIIe 1 _ 1, locality data unknown) A calicular view B lateral view C, D Heterocyathus monileseptatum sp. nov. (SAM _ H 1431, off Durban Harbour, 99 m) C calicular view D lateral view E, F Heterocyathus sulcatus (SAMC _ A 073123, off Shaka's Rock, 100 - 105 m) E calicular view F lateral view G, H Labyrinthocyathus delicatus (SAM _ H 2836, off East London, 146 - 238 m) G calicular view H lateral view I, K Monohedotrochus capensis comb. nov. I, J (SAMC _ A 088924, off Kidds Beach, 247 - 147 m) I calicular view J lateral view K (SAM _ H 3210, off Scottburgh, 690 m) calicular view L, M Polycyathus sp. (USNM 91677, off Port Dunford, 69 m) L calicular view M full view N, O Rhizosmilia robusta (USNM 91689, off Kosi Bay Estuary, 74 m) N calicular view O lateral view P Solenosmilia variabilis (SAM _ H 3158, off Cintsa, 630 m) P full view. Scale bars: 10 mm (A-G, I-O); 100 mm (H, P).