Annella ornata (Thomson & Simpson, 1909)

Subergorgia ornata Thomson & Simpson, 1909: 164–167, pl. 2; fig. 7b&7d (Lakshadweep; Andaman Is.).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region.

Justification:

Literature analysis: This species was reassigned to Annella Gray, 1858 when Grasshoff (1999) re-established that genus for the flabellate, net-like, shallow water scleraxonians that were previously included in Subergorgia . A main characteristic of the species is the surface sclerites being aggregated to form pale, reticulate ridges. The species was considered as being valid by Nutting (1911: 25–26) and Stiasny (1937: 105–107) but has rarely been recorded in the literature. It was listed as a synonym of Annella reticulata by Grasshoff (1999), but the second author believes it is a valid taxon and may be a complex of at least two species.