Eunicea palmeri, BAYER, 1961

Sánchez, Juan Armando, 2009, Systematics of the candelabrum gorgonian corals (Eunicea Lamouroux; Plexauridae; Octocorallia; Cnidaria), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 157 (2), pp. 237-263 : 241-242

EUNICEA PALMERI BAYER, 1961 ( FIG. 1B )

Eunicea palmeri Bayer, 1961: 129 (holotype: USNM 50747 ).

Description: Colonies up to 1 m in height but usually shorter than 60 cm. External coloration ochre ( Fig. 1B ). Branching pattern variable from candelabrum to bushy. Some colonies with enlarged and poorly ramified branches. Terminal branches approximately 0.7 mm in diameter. Sclerites from the middle layer enlarged, and having transparent spindles up to 2 mm in length, usually thin 0.09–0.2 mm wide. Purple spindles between 0.13 and 0.5 mm in axial layer; ornamentation with simple to laterally deformed ornaments. Surface layer with dense club sclerites that resemble a torch between 0.13 and 0.35 mm in length. Polyp rods flattened and quite small.

Diagnostic features: The calyx has two hemispheric lips, which form the aperture.

Distribution and habitat: Caribbean province exclusive of Bermuda. Shallow water to 25 m with moderate wave exposure on reef terraces and slopes.

Examined material: USNM 50747 , holotype, col. Bayer, F.M., 18.viii.1951; (70% ETOH) , North Atlantic Ocean; USA; Florida; Biscayne Bay, Soldier Key; Seaward Side of Key . USNM 50760 ; North Atlantic Ocean, USA, Florida, Florida Keys, Caesar Creek , between Elliott and Old Rhodes Key, col. Benedict J.E. 1901. USNM 50690 , Paratype, North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Florida Keys , USA; Ceasar’s Creek , col. Benedict, J.E. , 1901.

Figures

Figure 1. Photographs of Caribbean candelabrum corals in situ. A, Eunicea pinta Bayer & Deichmann Roncador Bank Colombia, 25 m; B, Eunicea palmeri Bayer, Roncador Bank, Colombia, 12 m; C, Eunicea succinea (Pallas) Bocas del Toro, Panama, 12 m; D, Eunicea laxispica (Lamarck), fore-reef terrace, 20 m, Abaco, Bahamas (2000); E, Eunicea mammosa Lamouroux, Roncador Bank, Colombia, 12 m; F, Eunicea tourneforti Milne Edwards & Haime, Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, 8 m; G, Eunicea asperula Milne-Edwards & Haime, outer slope edge, Cat island, Bahamas (2001); H, Eunicea laciniata Duchassaing & Michelotti, shallow fore-reef, 10 m, Carrie Bow Cay, Belize (2001); I, Eunicea fusca Duchassaing & Michelotti, White Horse Reef, fore-reef, 20 m, Exuma Cays, Bahamas (2000).