Litophyton daviesensis sp. nov.

(Figs. 1b, 2b, 5)

Material examined. Holotype NTM C4149, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10-15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.

Description. The holotype NTM C4149 is 14 cm high and 6 cm wide, the stalk is 5 cm high (Fig. 1b). The polyps are up to 1.00 mm wide and 0.50 mm high, and are grouped in conical catkins.

Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 2b). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.50 mm long (Fig. 5a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 5b). Tentacles with curved rods and scales up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 5c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 5 d-e). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.30 mm (Fig. 5f). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core.

Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 2.40 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 5g).

Surface layer base stalk. A few capstans and derivatives of capstans (Fig. 5 h-i), but mostly spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles; similar to those of the top of the stalk. These spindles are up to 2.00 mm long.

Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 2.00 mm long (Fig. 5j), with complex tubercles (Fig. 5k).

Etymology. Named after the type locality.

Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef.

Remarks. L. myrmidonensis sp. nov. and L. rowleyensis sp. nov. also have very long spindles in the interior of the base of the stalk. Both differ in having supporting bundle spindles with a smooth projecting end. Moreover, L. myrmidonensis has many radiates and derivatives of radiates in the base of the stalk, and L. rowleyensis differs in having ovals in the polyp stalk.