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1 This file is part of the following reference: Alderslade, Philip Norman (1995) Taxonomic studies within the gorgonian family Isididae (Coelenterata: Octocorallia). PhD thesis, James Cook University. Access to this file is available from: If you believe that this work constitutes a copyright infringement, please contact ResearchOnline@jcu.edu.au and quote

2 TITLE PAGE Taxonomic studies within the gorgonian family Isididae (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) Thesis submitted by Philip Norman Alderslade B.Sc. M.Sc. In April 1995 for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Marine Biology James Cook University of North. Queensland

3 STATEMENT ON RESTRICTION OF ACCESS I, the undersigned, the author of this thesis, understand that the following restriction placed by me on access to this thesis will not extend beyond three years from the date on which the thesis is submitted to the University. I wish to place restriction on access to this thesis as follows: Access not to be permitted for a period of 3 years or until publication of the manuscript, whichever the sooner. The author undertakes to advise the University upon publication. After this period has elapsed I understand that James Cook University of North Queensland will make it available for use within the University Library and, by microfilm or other photographic means, allow access to users in other approved libraries. All users consulting this thesis will have to sign the following statement: "In consulting this thesis I agree not to copy or closely paraphrase it in whole or in part without the written consent of the author; and to make proper written acknowledgement for any assistance which I have obtained from it." (Date) ENDORSED Professor H. Choat Head of Department Marine Biology (Signature) (Date)

4 ABSTRACT This thesis is a taxonomic treatment of a number of closely related groups of gorgonians within the family Isididae (Octocorallia: Coelenterata). The revisionary aspects of the study are centred around the genus Mopsea which is shown to be grossly paraphyletic. Heretofore including 17 nominal species, it is proposed that only the type species Mopsea encrinula is valid; a second, new species is added. Of the other recognised species, Mopsea dichotoma (Linne) is an unidentifiable melithaeid, and the remainder are divided amongst 1 existing and 7 new genera. These re-assignments are primarily on the basis of polyp structure, colonial branching pattern, and axial architecture, which are correlated with sclerite form and arrangement. Various states of these characters are used to define the relatedness of other genera. Taxonomic confusion is most likely to arise amongst both unbranched forms and branched forms which are predominantly planar, so the species of all known closely related genera with these morphologies are revised. The latter comprises the recognised and valid genera Acanthoisis, Peltastisis, Circinisis, Minuisis and the neglected Notisis. Although Minuisis has a generally bushy habitus, it is included because its growth form is modified to pinnate, planar branching by a commensal scale worm. It is shown that Primnoisis, Chathamisis, and Echinisis which have a bushy growth form can be distinguished as a group on this character, and individually using polyp structure, and these taxa are only considered at the generic level. Descriptions are extensively illustrated with scanning electron micrographs and all preparation techniques are detailed. The revision of known species is based on type material borrowed from numerous Australian and international institutions. As far as can be ascertained, virtually all of the specimens mentioned in the literature that were considered to be relative to the study have been examined, together with a large suites of additional and previously undescribed material. Numerous new taxa are proposed based on these specimens. In total, 23 established species are validated, 15 as new combinations, and 30 new species are proposed along with 16 new genera. These taxa are assigned to the subfamilies Mopseinae and Circinsidinae, while Peltastisidinae is considered to be untenable. Keys to the genera of the former 2 subfamilies are given. Lectotypes are designated for the following species Mopsea flabellum Thomson & Mackinnon, M. elegans Thomson & Mackinnon, and M. simplex Tixier-Durivault, and all 3 are assigned to new genera. A lectotype for Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck) was designated in an application made to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature during this study. The application requested the ICZN to use its plenary powers to designate Isis encrinula Lamarck as the type species of the genus Mopsea, and the Commission subsequently agreed to this proposal. Copies of the relevant publications are included in the appendices. The history of all the relevant taxa is given inclusive of all reassignments made in the

5 4 taxonomic portion of the text. Some new terms are introduced in the section on taxonomic characters and terminology, which contains a particular point of focus on polyp structure. The misuse of the terms anthocodia and anthostele is discussed, and the neglected term anthopoma is reintroduced for the `opercular' region of the polyp. Each of the defined character states pertaining to polyp structure, axial architecture, and the pattern of ramification, are shown, with rare exceptions, to be consistent within the proposed generic groups. Distribution maps are given for all species, genera, and subfamilies. A preliminary model is proposed of the broad evolutionary history of the subfamilies in an attempt to explain the disparate distribution ranges of the bushy and non-bushy forms which may have had separate subsequent lineages from a common ancestor.

6 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Statement on Restriction of Access 2 Abstract 3 List of Figures 8 Statement on Sources 23 Introduction 24 List of Abbreviations 27 Material 27 Synonomies 28 Taxonomic Coverage 28 History of the Included Taxa 34 Terminology and Taxonomic Characteristics 41 Methods 52 Systematics 56 Keys 57 Subfamily Mopseinae Gray, Genus Mopsea Lamouroux, Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815). 63 Mopsea triaknema n.sp. 70 Genus Oparinisis n.gen. 75 Oparinisis flexilis n.sp 76 Oparinisis parkeri n. sp. 79 Oparinisis viking n.sp. 82 Genus Tethrisis n.gen. 85 Tethrisis suzannae n.sp. 86 Genus Paracanthoisis n.gen. 89 Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987). 91 Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970) 94 Genus Acanthoisis Studer [& Wright], Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, Acanthoisis dhondtae Bayer & Stefani, Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp. 106 Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp 109 Acanthoisis kimbla n.sp. 112 Genus Notisis Gravier, Notisis fragilis Gravier,

7 6 Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907). 121 Notisis charcoti n.sp 123 Notisis sp.indet. 127 Genus Pteronisis n.gen. 129 Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911) 130 Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987) 136 Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915) 143 Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987). 148 Pteronisis incerta n.sp 151 Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp. 158 Pteronisis oliganema n.sp 163 Genus Sphaerokodisis n.gen. 165 Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). 166 Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931). 171 Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). 173 Genus Jasminisis n.gen. 178 Jasminisis zebra n.sp. 180 Jasminisis candelabra n.sp. 184 Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp. 188 Jasminisis cavatica n.sp 192 Genus Ktenosquamisis n.gen 195 Ktenosquamisis bicamella n.sp 196 Genus Myriozotisis n.gen 199 Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp 200 Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp. 202 Genus /otisis n.gen 205 Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910). 205 Genus Peltastisis Nutting, Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, Genus Lissopholidisis n.gen. 213 Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp 214 Lissopholidisis ampliflora n.sp 216 Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976). 219 Genus Minuisis Grant, Minuisis pseudoplana Grant,

8 7 Minuisis granti n.sp. 225 Genus Primnoisis Studer [& Wright], Genus Echinisis Thomson & Rennet, Genus Chathamisis Grant, Subfamily Circinisidinae Grant, Genus Circinisis Grant, Circinisis circinata Grant, Genus Gorgonisis n.gen 234 Gorgonisis elyakovi n.sp. 235 Genus Pangolinisis n.gen 238 Pangolinisis cia n.sp 239 Genus Plexipomisis n.gen. 241 Plexipomisis thetis n.sp. 242 Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). 247 Genus Zignisis n.gen. 250 Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915) 251 Zignisis phorinema n. sp 257 Zignisis lornae n.sp 261 Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975). 266 Zignisis bifoliata n.sp. 269 Zignisis sp. indet. 272 Genus Annisis n.gen. 273 Annisis sprightly n.sp. 274 Genus Florectisis n.gen. 278 Florectisis rosetta n.sp 278 Distribution and its Implications for Phylogeny 280 Conclusion 285 Acknowledgements 287 Appendix 1: Alderslade P., Case 2788: Mopsea Lamouroux, 1816 (Cnidaria, Anthozoa): proposed designation of Isis encrinula Lamarck, 1815 as the type species. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 49(2): Appendix 2: International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, Opinion Mopsea Lamouroux, 1816 (Cnidaria, Anthozoa): Isis encrinula Lamarck, 1815 designated as the type species. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 50(3): References 296

9 8 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1. Hippuris coralloides carnea, Capensis, geniculis limosis. Redrawn original size from Petiver, 1702: p1.3, fig.10. Fig. 2. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815): A-C. Lectotype: (A). Polyp; (B). Coenenchyme; (C). Axial internode. D-J. NTM C1175: (D-F). Polyps; (G). Polyp body detail; (H). Coenenchyme; (I). Axial internode; (J). Twig fragment. Fig. 3. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815), NTM C1175, natural size x Fig. 4. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815), NTM C1175, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 5. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815), sclerites: A. NTM C1175, branch coenenchyme; B. WAM , Polyp scales; C. WAM , branch coenenchyme; D. WAM , basal stem coenenchyme. Fig. 6. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815), SAM H836, natural size. Fig. 7. Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck, 1815), WAM : A-F. Polyps; G. Polyp body detail; H. Coenenchyme; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 8. Mopsea triaknema n.sp.: A. Holotype; B. Paratype, AM G Both natural size. Fig. 9. Mopsea triaknema n.sp., holotype: A-H. Polyps; I. Coenenchyme; J. Axial internode. Fig. 10. Mopsea triaknema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig. 11. Mopsea triaknema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Pinna and branch coenenchyme. Fig. 12. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 13. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig. 14. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig. 15. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig. 16. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., sclerites: A. Holotype, twig coenenchyme; B. Holotype, main branch coenenchyme; C. Paratype, polyp body; D. Paratype, polyp. Fig. 17. Oparinis flexilis n.sp., paratype, NTM C10949 (part), natural size. Fig. 18. Oparinis parkeri n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 19. Oparinis parkeri n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig. 20. Oparinis parkeri n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles.

10 9 Fig. 21. Oparinis parkeri n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Main branch and stem coenenchyme. Fig. 22. Oparinis parkeri n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Thin branch coenenchyme. Fig. 23. Oparinis viking n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 24. Oparinis viking n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 25. Oparinis viking n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 26. Oparinis viking n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig. 27. Tethrisis suzannae n.sp., holotype, natural size x Fig. 28. Tethrisis suzannae n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H. Axial internode; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 29. Tethrisis suzannae n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 30. Tethrisis suzannae n.sp holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig. 31. Tethrisis suzannae n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Twig coenenchyme; B. Main branch coenenchyme; C. Stem coenenchyme. Fig. 32. Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, natural size. Fig. 33. Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype: Polyp showing naked adaxial neck region. Fig. 34. Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig. 35. Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp head. Fig. 36. Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp base; B. Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 37. Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970), lectotype, natural size. Fig. 38. Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970), lectotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-M. Axial internodes; N. Twig fragment. Fig. 39. Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970), lectotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 40. Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970), lectotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 41. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, holotype, natural size. Fig. 42. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment.

11 10 Fig. 43. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 44. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, holotype, sclerites: A. Branch coenenchyme; B. Stem coenenchyme. Fig. 45. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, AM G12154, natural size. Fig. 46. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, AM G12154: A-F. Polyps; G-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 47. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, AM G12154, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 48. Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, 1889, AM G12154, sclerites: A. Branch coenenchyme; B. Lower main branch coenenchyme. Fig. 49. Acanthoisis dhondtae Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, natural size. Fig. 50. Acanthoisis d'hondtae Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme and juvenile polyp; G-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 51. Acanthoisis dhondtae Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 52. Acanthoisis dhondtae Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, sclerites: A. Principal branch and pinna coenenchyme; B. Stem coenenchyme. Fig. 53. Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 54. Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G-I. Axial internodes; J. Twig fragment. Fig. 55. Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 56. Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 57. Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp.: A. Holotype; B. Paratype, AM G Both natural size. Fig. 58. Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp.: A-C, F. Holotype: (A-C). Polyps; (F-G). Coenenchyme; (H-I). Axial internodes; (J). Twig fragment. D,E. Paratype: Polyps. Fig. 59. Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; Polyp head; D. Polyp base. Fig. 60. Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Branch coenenchyme; B. Stem coenenchyme. Fig. 61. Acanthoisis kimbla n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 62. Acanthoisis kimbla n.sp., holotype: A-B. Polyps; C-D. Axial internodes; E. Twig fragment.

12 11 Fig. 63. Acanthoisis kimbla n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Thin branch coenenchyme; E. Main branch coenenchyme. Fig. 64. Notisis fragilis Gravier, 1913, holotype, natural size. Fig. 65. Notisis fragilis Gravier, 1913, holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig. 66. Notisis fragilis Gravier, 1913, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 67. Notisis fragilis Gravier, 1913, holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 68. Notisis cf. fragilis Gravier, 1913, NZOI E225b, natural size. Fig. 69. Notisis cf. fragilis Gravier, 1913, NZOI E225b, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig. 70. Notisis cf. fragilis Gravier, 1913, NZOI E225b, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig. 71. Notisis cf. fragilis Gravier, 1913, NZOI E225b, sclerites: A. Polyp base where it adjoins a brood pouch; B. Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 72. Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907), specimens from lot n 641: A. Holotype. All natural size x Fig. 73. Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907), holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H-I. Axial internodes; J-K. Twig fragments. Fig. 74. Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 75. Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907), holotype, sclerites: A. Lower polyp body; B. Upper polyp body. Fig. 76. Notisis charcoti n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig. 77. Notisis charcoti n.sp., holotype: A-E. Polyps; F-G. Axial internodes. Fig. 78. Notisis charcoti n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Branch coenenchyme. Fig. 79. Notisis charcoti n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig. 80. Notisis sp. indet., sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 81. Notisis sp. indet., sclerites: Twig coenenchyme. Fig. 82. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), holotype, natural size. Fig. 83. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), holotype: A-C. Polyps; Coenenchyme; E-G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig. 84. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 85. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), sclerites: A. Holotype, coenenchyme; B. SAM H834, polyp & coenenchyme; C. AM G12144, paratype, polyp & coenenchyme; C. QM G4711, polyp & coenenchyme.

13 12 Fig. 86. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), paratype, AM G12143, natural size x 0.5. Fig. 87. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), QM G4711, natural size. Fig. 88. Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911): A-B. AM E6036: (A). Polyp; (B). Coenenchyme. C-E. Paratype, AM G12144: (C-D). Polyp; (E). Twig fragment. Fig. 89. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, natural size x 0.9. Fig. 90. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-J. Axial internodes; K. Twig fragment. Fig. 91. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 92. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: Coenenchyme. Fig. 93. A. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, polyp; B. Mopsea bargibanti Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, polyp. Fig. 94. Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987): A. NTM C12042; B. NTM C12044; C. NTM C12041; D. NTM C All natural size x 0.5. Fig. 95. Mopsea bargibanti Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, natural size. Fig. 96. Mopsea bargibanti Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype: A-B, D. Polyps; C. Coenenchyme; E-G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig. 97. Mopsea bargibanti Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig. 98. Mopsea bargibanti Bayer & Stefani, 1987, holotype, sclerites: A. Twig coenenchyme; B. Upper stem / main branch coenenchyme. Fig. 99. Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915), type series: A. Portion of holotype. All natural size. Fig Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915). A-H. Holotype: (A-C). Polyps; (D-F). Axial internodes; (G). Coenenchyme; (H). Twig fragment. I-M. SAM H825 (part): (I, K-L). Polyps; (J). Coenenchyme; (M). Twig fragment. Fig Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Twig coenenchyme; D. Main branch coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915), holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, natural size. Fig Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment.

14 13 Fig Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987), holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp.: A. Holotype, natural size; B. AM G15307, natural size; AM E2242, natural size x 0.5. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-I. Axial internodes; J. Twig fragment. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Twig coenenchyme; B. Principal branch coenenchyme; C. Basal stem coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp.: A-C. AM G15588, polyps; D-E. NTM C2471: (D). Axial internode; (E). Twig fragment. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., AM G15299, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., AM G15307, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Polyp body; C. Pinna coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis incerta n.sp., AM G15588, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Main branch coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-J. Axial internodes; K. Twig fragment. Fig Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Pinna coenenchyme; B. Main branch coenenchyme. Fig Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp., paratype, AM G6913, natural size x 0.5. Fig Pteronisis oliganema n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Pteronisis oliganema n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-I. Axial internodes; J. Twig fragment. Fig Pteronisis oliganema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Pteronisis oliganema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig A,B. Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911): (A). Lectotype, natural size; (B). AM G15297, natural size; C. Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931), AM G15600, natural size x 0.5.

15 14 Fig Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). A-F. Lectotype: (A-C). Polyps; (D-E). Axial internodes; (F). Twig fragment. G-L. AM G5679: (G-J). Polyps; (K). Coenenchyme; (L). Twig fragment. Fig Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), lectotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), lectotype, sclerites: A. Polyp/twig adaxial juncture; B. Branch coenenchyme. Fig Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931), holotype: A-C. Polyps; D-E. Axial internodes. Fig Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931), holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), fragments of the syntypes, all natural size. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), syntype: A. Polyp; B. Coenenchyme; C-D. Axial internodes; E. Twig fragment. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). A-B, D-H. NTM C2397: (A-B, D). Polyps; (E). Coenenchyme; (F-G). Axial internodes; (H). Twig fragment. C. AM E2127, polyp. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), syntype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), sclerites: A. Syntype, branch coenenchyme; B. NTM C2397, stem coenenchyme; C. NTM C2397, branch coenenchyme; D. AM G11638, polyp body. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), NTM C2397, natural size x 0.5. Fig Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), AM E2127, natural size x 0.6. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., holotype: A-G. Polyps; H. Coenenchyme; I-K. Axial internodes; L. Twig fragment. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp head. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Twig coenenchyme.

16 15 Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., paratypes: A. AM G15599; B. AM G15601; C. AM G15602; D. AM G All natural size x 0.4. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., paratype, AM G12017 fragments, natural size. Fig Jasminisis zebra n.sp., paratype, AM G12017, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Polyp head; C. Polyp base; D. Coenenchyme. Fig Jasminisis candelabra n.sp., part of type series: A. Holotype; B-D, F-J. Paratypes, AM (part); E. Paratype, AM G8017. Fig Jasminisis candelabra n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig Jasminisis candelabra n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Jasminisis candelabra n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp., holotype: A-G. Polyps; H. Coenenchyme; I-K. Axial internodes; L. Twig fragment. Fig Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp head. Fig Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp base; B. Branch coenenchyme. Fig Jasminisis deceptrix n.sp., paratype, AM G8016, natural size. Fig Jasminisis cavatica n.sp., type series: A. Holotype. All natural size. Fig Jasminisis cavatica n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig Jasminisis cavatica n.sp., sclerites: A-E. Holotype: (A). Anthopoma; (B). Tentacles; (C-D). Polyp body; (E). Branch coenenchyme. F. Paratype, NTM C917, surface coenenchyme. Fig Ktenosquamisis bicamella n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Ktenosquamisis bicamella n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H-K. Axial internodes; L. Twig fragment. Fig Ktenosquamisis bicamella n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Coenenchyme. Fig Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp., holotype: A-H. Polyps; I-I. Twig fragment. Fig Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp., holotype: A-D. Axial internodes. Fig Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Adaxial polyp sclerites.

17 16 Fig Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp, sclerites: A. Holotype, twig coenenchyme; B. Paratype, QM G301210, basal stem coenenchyme. Fig Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H-J. Axial internodes; K. Twig fragment. Fig Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Small polyp body scales; D. Adaxial polyp platelets. Fig Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Large polyp body scales; B. Twig coenenchyme. Fig Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910). Reproduction of Nutting's pl. IV of the holotype of Mopsea alba. 2. Colony, natural size. 2a. Branch, natural size x 5. Fig Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910), holotype: Polyp. Fig Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910), holotype: Axial internodes. Fig Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Branch coenenchyme. Fig Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, 1910, holotype fragment. Fig Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, 1910, holotype: A-B. Axial internodes. Fig Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, 1910, holotype, sclerites. Fig Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, 1910, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Polyp body. Fig Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, 1910, holotype, sclerites: Coenenchyme. Fig Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, 1910, part of holotype fragment. Fig Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, 1910, holotype: A. Large abaxial polyp sclerite; B. Axial internode. Fig Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, 1910, holotype, sclerites. Fig Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, 1910, holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp; B. Coenenchyme. Fig Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp., holotype: Polyp, the abaxial stay not cradling the head. Fig Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp., holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-G. Axial internodes; H-K. Large abaxial polyp sclerites; L. Twig fragment. Fig Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Stem coenenchyme. Fig Lissopholidisis ampliflora n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Lissopholidisis ampliflora n.sp., holotype: A. Large abaxial polyp sclerite; B-C. Axial internodes.

18 17 Fig Lissopholidisis ampliflora n.sp., holotype: Polyps. Fig Lissopholidisis ampltf lora n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; Abaxial polyp stays; D. Polyp body; E. Coenenchyme. Fig Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976), holotype, natural size. Fig Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976), holotype: Polyp. Fig Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976), holotype: A-C. Axial internodes Fig Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Upper stem coenenchyme; E. Basal stem coenenchyme. Fig Minuisis pseudoplana Grant, 1976, holotype, natural size x 3. Fig Minuisis pseudoplana Grant, 1976, holotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F- G. Axial internodes; H. Twig fragment. Fig Minuisis pseudoplana Grant, 1976, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Branch coenenchyme. Fig Minuisis granti n.sp.: A. Holotype, natural size x 3; B. Paratype, NZOI P946, natural size x 5. Fig Minuisis granti n.sp., 1976, holotype: A-G. Polyps; H. Coenenchyme; I. Axial internode; J. Twig fragment. Fig Minuisis granti n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Branch coenenchyme. Fig A-D. Primnoisis antarctica (Studer, 1879), holotype: (A-C). Polyps; (D). Coenenchyme. E-F. Primnoisis sp., NTM C12329, polyps. Fig Primnoisis deliculata (Hickson, 1907), syntype: A-C. Polyps; D. Coenenchyme; Axial internode. Fig Circinisis circinata Grant, 1976, type series: A. Holotype. All natural size. Fig Circinisis circinata Grant, 1976, holotype: A. Polyp; B-C. Axial internodes; Twig fragment. Fig Circinisis circinata Grant, 1976, holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma and tentacles; B. Polyp body; C. Sub-surface of the twig coenenchyme. Fig Gorgonisis elyakovi n.sp., holotype, natural size x Fig Gorgonisis elyakovi n.sp., holotype: A-E. Polyps; F-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig Gorgonisis elyakovi n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Twig coenenchyme; E. Main branch coenenchyme. Fig Pangolinisis cia n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Pangolinisis cia n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G-H. Coenenchyme; I-K. Axial internodes; L. Twig fragment.

19 18 Fig Pangolinisis cia n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body; D. Twig coenenchyme; E. Stem coenenchyme. Fig Plexipomisis thetis n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Plexipomisis thetis n.sp., holotype: A-C. Polyps; D. Coenenchyme; E-F. Axial internodes; G. Twig fragment. Fig Plexipomisis thetis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Adaxial polyp margin. Fig Plexipomisis thetis n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Sub-surface of polyp body, stellate plates; C. Twig coenenchyme; D. Sub-surface of stem coenenchyme. Fig Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), lectotype, natural size. Fig Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), lectotype: A-D. Polyps; E. Coenenchyme; F-H. Axial internodes; I. Twig fragment. Fig Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), lectotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911), sclerites: A. Lectotype, twig coenenchyme; B. AM E142, upper stem coenenchyme. Fig Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915): A. Holotype; B. WAM All natural size. Fig Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915), holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H-I. Axial internodes; J. Twig fragment. Fig Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915), paratype, AM G11801: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G. Twig fragment. Fig Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915), sclerites: A. Holotype, twig coenenchyme; B. Paratype, AM G11801, polyp & coenenchyme. Fig Zignisis phorinema n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Zignisis phorinema n.sp., holotype: A-G. Polyps; H. Coenenchyme; I-J. Axial internodes; K. Twig fragment. Fig Zignisis phorinema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig Zignisis phorinema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Polyp body. Fig Zignisis phorinema n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Thin branch coenenchyme; B. Main branch coenenchyme; C. Stem coenenchyme. Fig Zignisis lornae n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Zignisis lornae n.sp., holotype: A-F. Polyps; G. Coenenchyme; H. Twig fragment.

20 19 Fig Zignisis lornae n.sp., axial internodes: A-B, D-E. Paratype, NTM C2485; C, F. Holotype. Fig Zignisis lornae n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig Zignisis lornae n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Branch Fig Fig coenenchyme; C. Stem coenenchyme. Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975): A. Holotype; B. NTM C10924; C. WAM All natural size. Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975), holotype: A-F. Polyps; G-I. Axial internodes; J. Coenenchyme; K. Twig fragment. Fig Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975), holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975), holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Branch coenenchyme. Fig Zignisis bifoliata n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Zignisis bifoliata n.sp., holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-H. Axial internodes; I-J. Twig fragments. Fig Zignisis bifoliata n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Polyp body. Fig Zignisis bifoliata n.sp., holotype, sclerites: Branch coenenchyme. Fig Zignisis sp. indet. Details of Studer's Mopsea encrinula specimen obtained by the SMS Gazelle: A. Anthopoma; B. Adaxial octant; C. Polyp; D. Coenenchyme; E. Axial internode. Fig Annisis sprightly n.sp.: A. Holotype; B. Paratype, NTM C2473. Both natural size. Fig Annisis sprightly n.sp., holotype: A-C. Polyps; D. Coenenchyme; E-F. Axial internodes; G. Twig fragment. Fig Annisis sprightly n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles. Fig Annisis sprightly n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Polyp body; B. Thin branch coenenchyme; C. Primary branch coenenchyme; D. Large scale from polyp base. Fig Florectisis rosetta n.sp., holotype, natural size. Fig Florectisis rosetta n.sp., holotype: A-E. Polyps; F. Coenenchyme; G-I. Axial internodes; J. Twig fragment. Fig Florectisis rosetta n.sp., holotype, sclerites: A. Anthopoma; B. Tentacles; C. Fig Fig Fig Polyp body; D. Twig coenenchyme. Modes of axial branching. Distribution of Mopsea encrinula (Lamarck,1815). Distribution of Mopsea triaknema n.sp.

21 20 Fig Distribution of Oparinisis flexilis n.sp. Fig Distribution of Oparinisis parkeri n.sp. Fig Distribution of Oparinisis viking n.sp. Fig Distribution of Tethrisis suzannae n.sp. Fig Distribution of Paracanthoisis richerdeforgesi (Bayer & Stefani, 1987). Fig Distribution of Paracanthoisis simplex (Tixier-Durivault, 1970). Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis flabellum Wright & Studer, Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis dhontae Bayer & Stefani, Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis wrastica n.sp. Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis myzourida n.sp. Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis kimbla n.sp. Fig Distribution of Notisis fragilis Gravier, Fig Distribution of Notisis elongata (Roule, 1907). Fig Distribution of Notisis charcoti n.sp. Fig Distribution of Notisis sp. indet. Fig Distribution of Pteronisis whiteleggei (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). Fig Distribution of Pteronisis provocatoris (Bayer & Stefani, 1987). Fig Distribution of Pteronisis plumacea (Briggs, 1915). Fig Distribution of Pteronisis laboutei (Bayer & Stefani, 1987). Fig Distribution of Pteronisis incerta n.sp. Fig Distribution of Pteronisis echinaxis n.sp. Fig Distribution of Pteronisis oliganema n.sp. Fig Distribution of Sphaerokodisis flabellum (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). Fig Distribution of Sphaerokodisis tenuis (Thomson & Rennet, 1931). Fig Distribution of Sphaerokodisis australis (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). Fig Distribution of.jasminisis zebra n.sp. Fig Distribution of Jasminisis candelabra n.sp. Fig Distribution of Jasminisis deceptix n.sp. Fig Distribution of Jasminisis cavatica n.sp. Fig Distribution of Ktenosquamisis bicamella n.sp. Fig Distribution of Myriozotisis heatherae n.sp. Fig Distribution of Myriozotisis spinosa n.sp. Fig Distribution of Iotisis alba (Nutting, 1910). Fig Distribution of Peltastisis uniserialis Nutting, Fig Distribution of Peltastisis cornuta Nutting, 1910.

22 21 Fig Fig Distribution of Lissopholidisis furcula n.sp. Distribution of Lissopholidisis ampliflora n.sp. Fig Distribution of Lissopholidisis nuttingi (Grant, 1976). Fig Distribution of Minuisis pseudoplana Grant, Fig Distribution of Minuisis granti n.sp. Fig Distribution of Circinisis circinata Grant, Fig Distribution of Gorgonisis elyakovi n.sp. Fig Distribution of Pangolinisis cia n.sp. Fig Distribution of Plexipomisis thetis n.sp. Fig Distribution of Plexipomisis elegans (Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911). Fig Distribution of Zignisis repens (Briggs, 1915). Fig Distribution of Zignisis phorinema n.sp. Fig Distribution of Zignisis lornae n.sp. Fig Distribution of Zignisis alternata (Utinomi, 1975). Fig Distribution of Zignisis bifoliata n.sp. Fig Distribution of Zignisis sp. indet. Fig Distribution of Annisis sprightly n.sp. Fig Distribution of Florectisis rosetta n.sp. Fig Distribution of Mopsea Lamouroux, Fig Distribution of Oparinisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Paracanthoisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Acanthoisis Studer [& Wright], Fig Distribution of Notisis Gravier, Fig Distribution of Pteronisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Sphaerokodisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Jasminisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Myriozotisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Peltastisis Nutting, Fig Distribution of Lissopholidisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Minuisis Grant, Fig Distribution of Primnoisis Studer [& Wright], Fig Distribution of Chathamisis Grant, Fig Distribution of Echinisis Thomson & Rennet, Fig Distribution of Plexipomisis n.gen. Fig Distribution of Zignisis n.gen.

23 22 Fig Fig Fig Distribution of Circinisidinae. Distribution of unbranched and planar Mopseinae. Distribution of bushy Mopseinae.

24 23 STATEMENT ON SOURCES DECLARATION I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at any university or other institution of tertiary education. Information derived from the published or unpublished work of others has been acknowledged in the text and a list of references is given. (Signature) Aprd / S (Date)

25 24 INTRODUCTION This study essentially comprises taxonomic revisions of a number of closely related octocoral genera within the gorgonian family Isididae. This family contains all of the gorgonian species where the articulated axial skeleton consists of well defined calcareous internodes which are not formed from fused sclerites and which alternate with sclerite-free proteinaceous nodes. The isidid genera are of a very diverse nature. Kiikenthal (1915: ; 1924: 560, ) was clearly convinced the family was polyphyletic, and Bayer (pers. comm.) is of the opinion that a further accumulation of evidence may eventually justify a division into at least 2 and perhaps 3 separate familial groups. There are 2 other families of gorgonians with articulated axes: the Melithaeidae and the Parisididae. They are both distinguished from the Isididae by the sclerite component of their axial skeleton. Mirostenella articulata Bayer, 1988 is an enigmatic taxon within the Primnoidae that has possible phylogenetic implications regarding the Isididae. It is the only primnoid where the scleroproteinaceous axis is partitioned at the points of bifurcation into translucent noncalcified horny 'nodes'. The final scope of this project had its origins in a far more restricted study, which was to revise the isidid genus Mopsea Lamouroux, Such a study was considered to be of value after attempts in the mid 1980's to accurately identify some specimens of Mopsea (sensu lato) from Southern Australia revealed the extreme inadequacy of the literature. Unfortunately, a similar situation exists for the majority of octocoral genera, especially those of the Indo-Pacific. A student of the Australian octocoral fauna is hampered not only by the quality but also by the paucity of reports on the fauna of this part of the world. In Bayer's (1981) paper on the "Status of knowledge of Octocorals of World Seas" he placed the major geographic regions of the globe into 4 categories with respect to the levels of taxonomic knowledge: Essentially complete, Moderately well known, Poorly known, and Minimally known. The Australian octocorals were classed as Poorly known (p. 7), "where the literature is sparse and incomplete", "large numbers of species will inevitably be new to science", "the major part of the fauna remains to be described", and "distributional patterns are not clearly understood". Although a number of papers on the Australian octocoral fauna have been published since that work, the number of new Australian taxa described in the present work clearly supports Bayer's premise that much remains to be done. The findings of the present study have shown that virtually all of the literature to date that deals with Mopsea (sensu lato) suffers from 2 major inadequacies. First, confusion over the generic characters of Mopsea (sensu stricto), and second, with the exception of Bayer & Stefani (1987a), markedly insufficient, poor quality, and often inaccurate, illustrations. As a result,

26 25 the genus has become grossly paraphyletic. Of the 18 nominal species still recognised in the literature hereto-fore, it is proposed to retain only one, the type species M. encrinula (Lamarck, 1815). The inclusion of a previously undescribed taxon from the coast of New South Wales near Sydney leaves the genus at present with only two species. It is easy with hindsight to criticise previous authors for not recognising the paraphyletic nature of the genus. Perhaps, for example, Grant (1976) should have included M. elegans Thomson & Mackinnon, 1911, in his new family Circinisidinae where, with its cycloid scales, it surely belongs. But maybe such criticism is harsh, and that outcome would have been more likely if Thomson & Mackinnon had included a large scale figure of a polyp of M. elegans (as they did with other taxa) in addition to the 5 sclerite drawings. It is also harsh to criticise early authors for including, for example, both pinnately and dichotomously branched species in the genus when many other morphological characters appeared very similar and little comparative material was available. It is far more likely for patterns or groupings to emerge when large suites of specimens are available. In the present account, for instance, groups of pinnately branched colonies are shown to have other features in common which clearly differentiate them from those with 'dichotomous' branching. Pinnate groups are also differentiated from other pinnate groups, 'dichotomous' groups from other 'dichotomous' groups, and so on. In fact, in the proposed genera the branching patterns are so consistent as to possibly imply that many other gorgonian groups that include mixed colonial forms may be paraphyletic. In particular some genera of Primnoidae, a family said by various authors (eg. Kiikenthal, 1919) to have close affinities with Isididae. When the examination of the literature during the initial identification attempts demonstrated its insufficiency, recourse was made to the type material of a number of the nominal Mopsea species which is housed in the Australian Museum. It was soon apparent that taxa of quite a diverse nature had been grouped within the genus, that some type series probably contained a mixture of species, and that a published revision would be essential for future workers. There is little doubt that the group is relatively important in the Australian context. Kiikenthal (1924) in his synopsis of the world's gorgonians recognised 11 species (including 3 he considered doubtful). Of these, 7 were recorded solely from Australia, and Kiikenthal had overlooked 2 Australian species described by Briggs (1915). Since then a further 5 species have been added to the genus; 2 from Australia and 4 from New Caledonia. Of the 53 species included in this revision, 72% are considered endemic to Australia. During the process of reassessing and redescribing the species previously assigned to the genus, together with a re-evaluation of the associated literature, it became obvious that a necessary corollary was the appraisal of the available material of closely related groups followed by detailed comparisons. The process of deciding which genera fell into the category of

27 26 "closely related" gradually evolved as a greater knowledge of the different characteristics was gained by examing type specimens along with identified and unidentified collections from the major Australian museums and numerous overseas institutions. Bayer & Stefani (1987b: ) provided the first summary of the relevant taxonomic characters since Kiikenthal (1919: ). They also stated that "The continuing increase in collections and discovery of new species obscures some of the taxonomic boundaries that have become accepted over the past century, making the allocation of species to genera, and genera to subfamilies, increasingly problematical". That statement, together with their summary, recognised the continued uncertainty of the value of the characters and their states, and the blurring, both perceived and real, of the discontinuities between them. A situation which, in light of my original observations regarding the nominal species of Mopsea, undoubtedly greatly contributed to the heterogeneity of the mix of taxa comprising that genus. The overall aim of the research has been to established the boundaries of the genus Mopsea (sensu stricto) and to characterise from available material all the taxonomic groups with which it is likely to be confused. The result includes revisions of the recognised genera Mopsea, Acanthoisis, Peltastisis, Minuisis and Circinisis, the validation of the neglected genus Notisis, and the proposal of 16 new genera. The study crosses the boundaries of 3 nominal subfamilies, Mopseinae, Circinisidinae, and Petastisidinae, and proposes that the latter is not tenable as has already been intimated by Bayer & Stefani (1987b: 940). Twenty three established species are validated and redescribed, 15 as new combinations, and 30 new species are proposed. One colony with apparently malformed or deteriorated sclerites, and a minute twig fragment with a single polyp, are both recorded as an indeterminate species. It has become customary in octocoral systematics to include a brief species diagnosis at the beginning of each description. However, given the importance of sclerite form in distinguishing between different taxa, and the inadequacies of language as compared to illustration in describing these forms, the diagnoses of closely related species often read much the same. Correspondingly, only Differential Characteristics which highlight salient features are given in the Systematics section, and these should be used in conjunction with the figures. Depth ranges quoted for each species are only guides in a number of cases as trawl or dredge stations often transversed zones of widely varying depth. They should therefore only be used with reference to the material collection data. The holotype of Mopsea tenuis Thomson and Mackinnon, for example was obtained from somewhere between fathoms. During the course of the study it was necessary to apply to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to use its plenary powers to designate Isis encrinula Lamarck, 1815 as the type species of the genus Mopsea and set aside all previous fixations (Alderslade, See Appendix 1). The existing situation was unsatisfactory because Mopsea dichotoma (Linne,