Litophyton darleyensis sp. nov.

(Figs. 70g, 80c, 83-84)

Material examined. Holotype NTM C1155, Queensland, Darley reef, December 1979, coll. P. Alderslade ; paratype NTM C1154, same data as holotype.

Description. The holotype is 10.5 cm high and 9 cm wide, the stalk is 4 cm long (Fig. 80c). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.9 mm high, grouped in conical catkins.

Polyps. With a relatively good arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 70g).Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles; abaxially up to 0.35 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 83a); laterally up to 0.20 mm long. Adaxially there are small, curved scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 83b). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.08 mm long (Fig. 83c). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles up to 1.5 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 83d).

Surface layer top stalk. Spindles up to 1 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 83 e-f).

Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, a few derivatives of capstans, and spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 83h, 84a). Capstans 0.05-0.15 mm long; spindles up to about 0.50 mm long.

Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.5 mm long, with pointed ends and simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 84d); many with one or more side branches (Fig. 83g, 84 b-c).

Etymology. Named after the type locality.

Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Darley reef.

Remarks. The species is similar to L. folium sp. nov. (see below) but has longer internal stalk spindles with coarser tubercles, less developed point sclerites and very few spinose derivatives of capstans.