Litophyton snakeensis sp. nov.

(Figs. 49b, 42e, 52-53)

Material examined. Holotype NTM C10439, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Snake reef, depth 10-12 m, 14 December 1990, coll. J. Jan ; paratypes: NTM C3988, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 10-15 m, 26 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C4011, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10-15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C4340, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 0-5 m; 7 January 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.

Description. The holotype NTM C10439 is 12 cm high and 12.5 cm wide, the stalk is 3.5 cm high (Fig. 49b). The polyps are up to 0.80 mm high and 0.50 mm wide, and grouped in conical catkins.

Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42e). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 52a), adaxial scales and rods are present, which are also present in the tentacles (Fig. 52 b-c). Several of these scales and rods have a crystalline texture. Supporting bundle with spindles, up to 1.40 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 52d), and not projecting beyond the polyp head. Several polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core.

Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 52e).

Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, the smaller sclerites with simple tubercles, the larger ones also with complex tubercles (Fig. 53 a-b). The capstans and derivatives of capstans are 0.05-0.15 mm long, the spindles are up to 0.60 mm long.

Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.5 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 53e), and pointed ends; several branched (Fig. 53 c-d).

Etymology. Named after the type locality.

Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Snake reef, Rib reef, Davies reef, Myrmidon reef.

Remarks. The big interior spindles and many unilateral spinose spindles in the surface of the base of the stalk are characteristic for the species.