Revisão taxonômica do gênero Thesea (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) do Atlântico Ocidental

Abstract

The study of genus Thesea Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864, was done by the examination of type material of its species. The name Thesea presents nomenclatural problems concerning the designation of type species. An identification key, illustrations, and diagnosis of validated species are given. The species are: T. antiope Bayer, 1959, T. bicolor Deichmann, 1936, T. gracilis (Gray, 1868), T. grandiflora Deichmann, 1936, T. granulosa Deichmann, 1936, T. guadalupensis Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864, T. hebes Deichmann, 1936, T. parviflora Deichmann, 1936, T. rubra Deichmann, 1936, and T. rugosa Deichmann, 1936. Moreover, Thesea sp. is considered distinct but it has not been formally described. Synonyms: T. echinata Tixier-Durivault, 1970 (=T. bicolor), T. grandiflora rugulosa Deichmann, 1936 (=T. grandiflora), T. citrina Deichmann, 1936, and T. gracilis Deichmann, 1936 (=T. parviflora). The following species do not belong to the genus: T. gemmata Verrill, 1869, T. plana Deichmann, 1936, T. solitaria (Pourtalès, 1868) and T. nivea Deichmann, 1936.