Verrucella cuddalorensis (Fernando, 2011) potential new comb. (species status uncertain)

Nicella cuddalorensis Fernando, 2011: 124, pl. 85, fig. 1–1e (Cuddalore); Fernando et al. 2017: 286, pl. 134, fig. 1–1e (Cuddalore).

Opinion: This species does occur in the region but its true identity is uncertain.

Justification:

Literature analysis: The descriptions of the Indian material by Fernando (2011) and Fernando et al. (2017) are identical, but the specimen lacks the very large, elongate, subsurface sclerites of Nicella . The anastomosis present in the colony supports the alternative diagnosis that this is a species of Verrucella . Curiously, the authors comment that their material appears “similar to G. granulata (Esper) ”, presumably referring to Gorgonella granulata Esper, which is accepted as Verrucella granulata (Esper) . Without a more detailed analysis and better figures of the sclerites it would be difficult to recognise this species and establish its validity.