Eunicea knighti, 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 : 253

EUNICEA KNIGHTI BAYER, 1961 ( FIG. 8B )

Eunicea knighti Bayer, 1961: 150 (holotype: USNM 50430).

Description: Elastic and slimy colonies up to 0.5 m in height, surface usually smooth without prominent calyxes ( Fig. 8B ). Colonies exhibit dichotomous but sparse branching. Branch tips thick and stout. Dry coloration is grey to pale ochre. Sclerites from middle layer ornate and up to 1 mm in length. Anthocodial sclerites include diverse forms and are ornate. Surface layer composed of many torch club sclerites exhibiting congruent rows of ornamentations at the handle.

Diagnostic features: The axial layer presents pale purple sclerites generally short (<0.17 mm) with two or three very notable ornamentations at each side. In its natural environment, this species resembles the slimy forms of Pseudoplexaura spp. but it can be distinguished by noting the black tentacles of the expanded polyp. It is abundant toward deep reef areas (<20 m).

Distribution: Widespread in the Caribbean province.

Examined material: USNM 50430 , Holotype, (70% ETOH), Florida, Biscayne Bay, Soldier Key , col. Bayer F.M., 19.iv.1948 . USNM 50692 , Paratype, Gulf of Mexico, USA, Florida, Franklin County, Between John’s Pass & Pass a Grille, col: Hemphill H., i.1884 , donor: Hemphill, H. USNM 50759 , Gulf Of Mexico , USA, Florida, Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas, 1925 . USNM 44235 , (70% ETOH), Gulf Of Mexico, USA, Florida, East Bay, 8 miles north-east of Buoy , (29° 50′N, 84° 32′W), 13 m, 26.x.1948 .

Figures

Figure 8. Photographs of Caribbean candelabrum corals in situ. A, Eunicea calyculata (Ellis & Solander), Serrana Bank, Colombia, 18 m; B, Eunicea knighti Bayer, Bocas del Toro Panama, 15 m; C, Eunicea pallida García-Parrado & Alcolado, Bocas del Toro, Panamá, 15 m; D, Eunicea flexuosa (Lamouroux), Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, 12 m. Polyp details (Bocas del Toro, Panamá): E, Eunicea tourneforti; F, Eunicea laciniata; G, E. calyculata; H, Eunicea clavigera; and I, Eunicea tayrona sp. nov.