“17. Fannyella (Scyphogorgia), new subgenus
FIGURE 8I–P
Stenella (Dasystenella).—Gravier, 1913:590; 1914:63–69.
Thouarella (Euthouarella).—Broch, 1965:29 [in part: T. abies].
Thouarella.—Bayer, 1998:171, 173 [in part: T. abies].
DIAGNOSIS. See Table 3 and discussion below.
DISCUSSION. The subgenus is monotypic (Table 4). As noted by Bayer (1998:171, 173), Thouarella abies Broch, 1965 (herein synonymized with Stenella liouvillei) is remarkably similar to Ascolepis spinosa (herein considered to be the type species of the new subgenus Fannyella (Cyathogorgia)). Indeed, they would seem to be identical except for their branching mode, which is of the bottlebrush type in F. liouvillei. On the basis of the high systematic value placed on branching mode as well as personal communications with Bayer after 1998, we propose creating a new subgenus for this species. Otherwise the subgeneric diagnosis of F. (Cyathogorgia) (see below) may be used for F. (Scyphogorgia).
Additional records of F. liouvillei are posted herein from the Antarctic Peninsula (USNM 81545, 82114, 82980), South Orkney Islands (USNM 58156), and the Ross Sea (USNM 82981).
DISTRIBUTION. South Orkney Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, 100–550 m.
ETYMOLOGY. Greek skyphos = cup + gorgia, in allusion to the cup-shaped body wall ascus scales
TYPE SPECIES. Stenella (Dasystenella) liouvillei Gravier, 1913, here designated. The holotype is presumed to be deposited at the MNHNP.”
(Bayer & Cairns, 2009)
