Eunicella verrucosa ( Pallas, 1766 )

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 : 74-75

Eunicella verrucosa ( Pallas, 1766)

Gorgonia verrucosa Pallas, 1766: 196–198 (Mediterranean) .

Opinion: There is no evidence that this species occurs in the region.

Justification:

Literature analysis: Originally named Gorgonia verrucosa , this species is a very well-known and common taxon found in the Mediterranean and in the East Atlantic in regions like Portugal and England. The Indian reference is a listing by Kumar et al. (2017: PY-B) where “1766 Scripearia veruucosa Pallas” is cited as a synonym. But the latter species was erected by Simpson (1910) and is a synonym of Viminella verrucosa . Kumar et al. cites Rao & Devi (2003) as their reference where Scripearia veruucosa is listed as occurring in the Andamans with no evidence presented.