Astrogorgia bicolor Fernando, 2011

Ramvilas, Ghosh, Alderslade, Philip & Ranjeet, Kutty, 2023, The taxonomy of Indian gorgonians: an assessment of the descriptive records of gorgonians (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) recorded as occurring in the territorial waters of India, along with neighbouring regions and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the highlighting of perceived unethical practice, Zootaxa 5236 (1), pp. 1-124 : 44

Astrogorgia bicolor Fernando, 2011 (species status uncertain)

Astrogorgia bicolor Fernando, 2011: 71–72 , pl. 47, fig. 1–1c (Cuddalore); Fernando et al. 2017: 155, pl. 72, fig. 1–1c (Cuddalore).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region but its status is uncertain.

Justification:

Literature analysis: The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical, but some of the text is confusing. The polyps are said to have “…elevated calyces 1.0 mm of hemispherical shape 1.5 mm base”, but this is followed by “Calyces are mostly 1.5 mm high”. However, without detailed descriptions and more images of the sclerites, including the polyp armature, and close-up Images of the polyps and calyces it is not possible to distinguish this species from other nominal species. Even then, without a revision of the genus, it would probably be impossible to assess its validity as a new species.