Abstract
A new genus of soft coral from the Republic of Congo is described, Complexum gen. n. Nine West African octocoral species previously described in the genus Alcyonium by Tixier-Durivault (1955) are referred to this new genus, and a new species is described and figured, Complexum pusillum sp. n. The new species is characterized by having encrusting growth form and abundant spiny clubs in the surface of the polyparium. It colonizes shallow calcareous rocky banks (5 to 20 m depth) existing in coastal water of the region of Pointe-Noire. Based on molecular phylogeny this new genus is well separated from Alcyonium species.
Highlights
A new species from West Africa comparable to those from the same region identified as Alcyonium by Tixier-Durivault (1955) was studied
Because of these molecular data we describe a new genus to incorporate West African species previously placed in Alcyonium
The following West African species hitherto placed in Alcyonium are refered to the new genus: A. caparti, A. globosum, A. gruveli, A. laxum, A. miniatum, A. monodi, A. patulum, A. pobeguini, and A. strictum; all were described by TixierDurivault (1955)
Summary
A new species from West Africa comparable to those from the same region identified as Alcyonium by Tixier-Durivault (1955) was studied. Because of these molecular data we describe a new genus to incorporate West African species previously placed in Alcyonium. Coenenchymal sclerites are wide spindles and ovals with simple and complex tubercles.
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