taxonID	type	description	language	source
FF70BF3C1AC66188C0C312EA9E2EE3A8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype ZSM 20040057, Sagami Bay, 600 m, coll. Doflein 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: BMNH 1921.10.26.5, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 333 fms (609 m), coll. A. V. Insole, May 1921; UMUTZ-CnidG- 21, Gokeba, Sagami Bay, 150 - 20 hiro (227 - 29 m), coll. K. Aoki, 18 June 1902; UMUTZ-CnidG- 28, Kahiwajima Is., Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, coll. K. Kinoshita, June 1909; UMUTZ-CnidG- 29, same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 28; UMUTZ-CnidG- 30, same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 28; UMUTZ-CnidG- 33, same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 28; UMUTZ-CnidG- 101, St. 5, 170 fms (possibly Japanese fms) (243 - 257 m), coll. I. Ijima, 2 April 1895; UMUTZ-CnidG- 232, same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 28; RMNH Coel. 41900 (AKM 430), Zeni-su, off Izu Islands, 33 ° 53 ' N 138 ° 43 ' E, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 04 - 06, st. ZN- 3, 267.3 - 288.3 m, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 3 April 2004; RMNH Coel. 41901 (AKM 571), Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, 32 ° 43 ' N, 132 ° 48 ' E, local fishermen's boat, Kiryo-maru, st. 3, coral-net, 84.75 - 83.1 m, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004;? BMNH 1921.10.26.24 - 2, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 500 - 600 fms (715 - 1097 m), coll. A. V. Insole No. 45.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
FF70BF3C1AC66188C0C312EA9E2EE3A8.taxon	description	Description. Colony branched in one plane with few anastomoses (Fig. 1 a). Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.17 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 2 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 2 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 2 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 2 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans (Fig. 3 a), double disks (Fig. 3 b) and disk spindles (Fig. 3 c), 0.05 - 0.10 mm long, and small clubs of similar length (Figure 2 e). Spindles, 0.10 - 0.20 mm long, with simple tubercles, are also present (Fig. 3 d); some sclerites are intermediate between clubs and spindles (Fig. 3 e). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.14 mm long (Fig. 2 f).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
FF70BF3C1AC66188C0C312EA9E2EE3A8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Melithaea abyssicola occurs in Sagami Bay, off the Izu Islands, and Tosa (Kochi Prefecture) (Fig. 8).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
438EE32B1F500FD34AAAA68F8CDA2DDF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype ZMH C 3305, Sagami Bay (collection number in Kuekenthal (1908) incorrect as 63305), coll. A. Austin.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
438EE32B1F500FD34AAAA68F8CDA2DDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The name of collector A. Austin could actually be Alan Owston (Isono 1988), an English trader (import and export merchant and naturalist), who used to collect material of deep-water species. Therefore we suspect Melithaea arborea to grow in deeper water. So far it is only found in Sagami Bay (Fig. 8).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
3F537953215687FA09CC145586A83B42.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype UMUTZ-CnidG- 205, Ogasawara Isls. (= Bonin Isls.), Japan, coll. S. Hirota and Sekiguchi, 11 April 1894; paratype UMUTZ-CnidG- 255, same data as holotype.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
3F537953215687FA09CC145586A83B42.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 8 cm long and 4.5 cm wide, branching is in two parallel planes, and with a holdfast (Fig. 9 b). The stem is 5 mm wide, the end branches only 1 mm wide. The colony has many anastomoses. The polyps are situated all around the branches, the calyces are dome-shaped, and the polyps are retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.15 mm long, distal end with leaves (Fig. 12 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, middle part with more tubercles or side branches (Fig. 12 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 12 c). These platelets are up to 0.10 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 12 d). Coenenchyme with capstans (Fig. 12 e), unilaterally foliate spheroids (Fig. 12 f), 0.05 - 0.10 mm long and small clubs of similar length (Fig. 12 g); spindles (Fig. 13 b) and unilaterally foliate spindles (Fig. 13 a) are 0.10 - 0.20 mm long. The calyces with longer clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 12 h). Most coenenchymal sclerites have complex tubercles.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
3F537953215687FA09CC145586A83B42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is only known from the Ogasawara Islands (= Bonin Islands) (Fig. 8). Etymology. The species is named after the type locality, the Bonin Islands.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7933F4A7878C9835FBE8E2E2F7BDAC22.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Syntype ZMB 5814, Misaki (Japan), coll. Doflein, 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: ZMUC ANT- 000587, Okinose, Sagami Bay, Japan, 100 fms (143 - 183 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 26 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000588; Sagami Bay, Japan, 80 - 120 fms (114 - 219 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 6 - 19 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000590, Okinose, Sagami Sea, 100 fms (143 - 183 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 15 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000646, Off Nagasaki, 32 ° 15 ' N, 128 ° 12 ' E, 90 fms (165 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 15 May 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000654, Okinose, Sagami Sea, 100 fms (143 - 183 m) ,, coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 23 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000659, Okinose, Sagami Bay, 200 fms (286 - 366 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 1 July 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000661, same data as ZMUC ANT- 000654; ZMUC ANT- 000650, Off Misaki, Sagami Bay, ca. 250 fms (ca. 358 - 457 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 10 June 1914; UMUTZ-CnidG- 15, Japan; UMUTZ-CnidG- 17, Gorgonian cave at Koajiro, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 16 July 1897; UMUTZ-CnidG- 23 (G- 23 a), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 17; UMUTZ-CnidG- 268 (G- 37 d), Misaki, Sagami Bay, coll. K. Kinoshita, summer 1906; UMUTZ-CnidG- 41, Awa Kominato, Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture, coll. sp. no. 78, April 1885; UMUTZ-CnidG- 271 (G- 41 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 41; UMUTZ-CnidG- 199, Sengenzuka-Aoyamadashi line, Sagami Bay, 100 hiro (143 - 151 m), coll. H. Matsumoto and H. Chiba, 20 July 1913; RMNH Coel. 41902 (AKM 223), South of Mera-se bank, Sagami Bay, 34 ° 59.6 ' N, 139 ° 41.1 ' E - 34 ° 59.7 ' N, 139 ° 41.1 ' E, 81 - 78 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, St. 1, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 17 October 2003; AKM 225, same data as RMNH Coel. 41902; AKM 242, South of Mera-se Minami knoll, 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.7 ' E - 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.9 ' E, 348 - 312 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 October 2003; AKM 245, South of Mera-se bank, Sagami Bay, 34 ° 54 N 139 ° 39 E, 315 - 365 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 October 2003; AKM 246, South of Mera-se Minami knoll, 34 ° 54.2 ' N, 139 ° 39.9 ' E - 34 ° 54.3 ' N, 139 ° 39.3 ' E, 348 - 312 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 October 2003; AKM 248, same data as AKM 245; AKM 253, Sagami Bay, 33 ° 26.3 ' N, 139 ° 42.3 ' E - 33 ° 26.5 ' N, 139 ° 42.0 ' E, 157 - 172 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, K- 32, St. 18, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 21 October 2003; AKM 299, Sagami Sea, 33 ° 27 ' N, 139 ° 42 ' E, 200 - 211 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 21 October 2003; RMNH Coel. 41903 (AKM 513), Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, 132 ° 50.44 ' E 32 ° 37.66 ' N, - 132 ° 47.88 ' E 32 ° 37.56 ' N, 114 m, local fishermen's boat, Kiryo-maru, st. 1, coral net, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004; AKM 578, off Ohakozaki cape, Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.338 N 142 ° 00.721 E, 75 m, R / V Yayoi, St. 2.3.4, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 22 February 2005; AKM 595, entrance of Otsuchi Bay, Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.858 N 141 ° 59.972 E, 65.6 m, R / V Yayoi, St. 1, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 12 September 2005; RMNH Coel. 41904 (AKM 840 b), East of Jogashima Spur, 35 ° 03.52 ' N, 139 ° 37.43 ' E - 35 ° 04.17 ' N, 139 ° 37.52 ' E, 397 - 286 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31, st. 8, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 25 November 2007; RMNH Coel. 41905 (AKM 886), Hachijo Is., Izu Isls., 33 ° 20.9082 ' N, 139 ° 41.1841 ' E - 33 ° 21.0775 ' N, 139 ° 40.4931 ' E, 213 - 185 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31 (Kuramochi leg.), St. 14 (L- 7 - 200), Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 November 2007; RMNH Coel. 41906 (AKM 928), Hachijo Is., Izu Isls., 33 ° 22.5320 ' N, 139 ° 40.492 ' E - 33 ° 22.3111 ' N, 139 ° 40.2511 ' E, 202 - 145 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31, St. 15 (L- 7 - 100), Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 November 2007; RMNH Coel. 41907 (AKM 949), Toshima Is., Izu Isls., 34 ° 33.1102 ' N, 139 ° 17.4102 ' E - 34 ° 33.6524 ' N, 139 ° 17.6725 ' E, 143 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31, Kuramochi leg., St. 22 (L- 3 - 100), Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 27 November 2007; RMNH Coel. 41908 (AKM 1175), off Kerama Is. Okinawa Prefecture, East China Sea, 127 ° 27.70 ' E - 127 ° 27.95 ' E, 26 ° 04.59 ' N, - 26 ° 04.56 ' N, 160 - 153 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 08 - 33 cruise, St. KR- 07, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 16 December 2008; RMNH Coel. 41909 (AKM 1176), same data as AKM 1175; RMNH Coel. 41910 (AKM 1320), off Kerama Islands. Okinawa Prefecture, East China Sea, 26 ° 00 ' N, 127 ° 12 ' E, 100 - 97 m, R / V Tanisei-maru, KT 08 - 33, st. KR- 3, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 December 2008; RMNH Coel. 41911 (AKM 1321), same data as AKM 1320; AKM 1519, off Funakoshi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, 101 m, R / V Yayoi, St. 2 - 5, CO N, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 April 2010; AKM 1525, off Oshima Is. Entrance of Otsuchi Bay and Funakoshi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 22.085 ' N, 142 ° 01.152 ' E, 97 m, by R / V Yayoi, 1 m biological dredge. coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 April 2010; AKM 1545, off Ohako-zaki Cape, Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, 86.5 m, R / V Yayoi, st. 2 - 2, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 27 April 2010; RMNH Coel. 41912 (AKM 1602), South East off Taito-saki, Boso Peninsula, 35 ° 09.31 ' N, 140 ° 48.57 ' E - 35 ° 09.60 ' N, 140 ° 49.40 ' E, 311 - 325 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 95 - 05, st. TB 14, coll. S. Ohta, 26 April 1995; RMNH Coel. 41913 (AKM 1603), Okinoyama Basin, Sagami Bay, 86 - 88 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 87 - 19, st. OKI, 1 m ORI biological dredge, coll. S. Ohta, 10 December 1987.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7933F4A7878C9835FBE8E2E2F7BDAC22.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Pacific coast of Japan; Sagami Bay; Izu Isls.; Boso Peninsula (Chiba Prefecture); Otsuchi (Sanriku, Iwate Prefecture); Otsuki (Tosa, Kochi Prefecture); and East China Sea; off Nagasaki; off Kerama Is. (Fig. 27).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
A77037F542619AF2591D7F160241A3CE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype MZS-Cni 61, Sagami Bay, 60 - 100 fms (143 - 183 m), coll. Doederlein, 1882.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
A77037F542619AF2591D7F160241A3CE.taxon	description	Description. Colony broken up, consisting of four fragments (Fig. 28 a). Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.25 mm long, distal end with leaves (Fig. 29 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 29 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 29 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 29 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans (Fig. 30 a), and small clubs resembling flower buds (Fig. 30 b), up to 0.10 mm long. Spindles, 0.10 - 0.20 mm long, with simple tubercles, are also present. (Fig. 30 c). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 30 d).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
A77037F542619AF2591D7F160241A3CE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sagami Bay (Fig. 35).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
A77037F542619AF2591D7F160241A3CE.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after the collector, Ludwig H. P. Doederlein.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
FB356430B9D961A98142904B1C16E3C9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Syntypes UPSZTY 2164 (old number UUZM 67), Hirudo Strait (= Hirado Strait), Nagasaki, Japan, 33 ° 10 ' N, 129 ° 18 ' E, coll. Kapt. Suenson.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
FB356430B9D961A98142904B1C16E3C9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from Hirado Strait, Nagasaki, East China Sea (Fig. 35).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
F6FCED6646DB43E0C68BFAF9893FFE05.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. None, according to Kuekenthal (1908) the material was deposited in Muenchen but it was not found there.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
8DA88B6C864C82BD99A83741733410D1.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype UMUTZ-CnidG- 34, Coral Reef, Cape Chinen, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 15 April 1901; paratype UMUTZ-CnidG- 256, same data as holotype.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
8DA88B6C864C82BD99A83741733410D1.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 12 cm long and 11 cm wide, branching is in one plane and a holdfast is lacking (Fig. 28 c). The stem is 10 mm wide, the end branches only 2 mm wide. The colony has no anastomoses. The polyps are situated biserially on the branches, the calyces are dome-shaped, and the polyps retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, distal end with leaves (Fig. 33 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 33 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 33 c). These platelets are up to 0.10 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 33 d). Coenenchyme with capstans (Fig. 34 a), and unilaterally spinose spheroids, 0.05 - 0.10 mm long (Fig. 34 b). Furthermore spindles are present, 0.10 - 0.25 mm long (Fig. 34 c). All with simple and complex tubercles. The calyces with additional leaf clubs, up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 33 f). The axis has smooth and sparsely tuberculate rods (Fig. 33 e).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
8DA88B6C864C82BD99A83741733410D1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from Okinawa Prefecture (Fig. 35). The material is probably collected during the Ryukyu (= Okinawa) expedition by K. Mitsukuri and I. Ikeda, in April, 1901.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
8DA88B6C864C82BD99A83741733410D1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after the late Prof. Naohide Isono who has worked on Japanese zoological history from the Edo to Meiji period, in appreciation of informing the first author about the collectors data in this publication.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
E219652340AAB93084BB1CA7FE0CB37E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype of Mopsella japonica BMNH 1946.1.14.207 dried sclerites of the type MCZ 4265, now MCZ Invertebrate Zoology ALCY- 412 (microscopic slide only), Simoda (= Shimoda), Japan, coll. Prof. Hickson; NHMW 8046 (A. N. 1156), Nagasaki, Japan, I. Erber in Wien (Dr. A. v. Roretz) (possibly collected between ca. 1875 - 1879); NHMW 8047, Enoshima, Japan, coll. Dr. Richard. v. Drasche; NHMW 12690 (A. N. 4837), Enoshima, Japan, Baron Eug. V. Ransonnet, Ostasiatisches Ex. (1873); Pleurocoralloides formosum, ZSM 20051735, type, Japan, Sagami Bay, leg. Haberer, 1901; Melitodes flabellifera: ZMB 5822, syntype, Japan, up to 20 m depth, coll. Doflein, 1904 / 05; NHMW 2426, Enoshima, Nagoya, coll. Drasche, Koerbl, 18 - 19 December 1877; MZS-Cni 52, Sagami Bay, coll. Doederlein, 1882; BMNH 1936.7.6.7, Sagami Channel, Sagami Bay, purchased of Shibayama Nat. Sci. Laboratory Cat. No. 7 c- 7 A, 7 August 1931; Melitodes densa: ZMB 5801, syntype, Sagami Bay, 60 - 250 m?, coll. Doflein 1904 / 05; ZMB 5809, syntype, Sagami Bay, littoral, coll. Doflein 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: BMNH 1883.8.29.10, Enoshima, Japan, coll. Res. by D?. F. J. Burge; MZS-Cni 235, Jogashima, Sagami Bay, Japan, coll. Doederlein; ZMUC ANT- 000591, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan, 1 - 2 fms (2 - 4 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 24 June 1914; UMUTZ-CnidG- 257 (G- 23 b), gorgonia cave at Koajiro, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 16 July 1897; UMUTZ-CnidG- 258 (G- 23 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 257 (G- 23 b); UMUTZ-CnidG- 259 (G- 23 d), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 257 (G- 23 b); UMUTZ-CnidG- 35, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan sp. no. 19; UMUTZ-CnidG- 260 (G- 35 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 35; UMUTZ-CnidG- 261 (G- 35 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 35; UMUTZ-CnidG- 262 (G- 35 d), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 35; UMUTZ-CnidG- 36, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan; UMUTZ-CnidG- 263 (G- 36 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 36; UMUTZ-CnidG- 264 (G- 36 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 36; UMUTZ-CnidG- 265 (G- 36 d), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 36; UMUTZ-CnidG- 37, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan, coll. K. Kinoshita, summer 1906; UMUTZ-CnidG- 266 (G- 37 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 37; UMUTZ-CnidG- 267 (G- 37 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 37; UMUTZ-CnidG- 269 (G- 37 e), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 37; UMUTZ-CnidG- 38, Cape Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture, coll. M. Miyajima by diving, 7 August 1899; UMUTZ-CnidG- 42, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan, 1 - 5 April 1917; UMUTZ-CnidG- 272 (G- 42 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 42; UMUTZ-CnidG- 43, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japasp. n. no. 77; UMUTZ-CnidG- 273 (G- 43 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 43; UMUTZ-CnidG- 274 (G- 43 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 43; UMUTZ-CnidG- 275 (G- 43 d), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 43; UMUTZ-CnidG- 276 (G- 43 e), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 43; UMUTZ-CnidG- 44, Shimoda Harbour, Izu Peninsula, Japan, vessel Ohnoura-maru cruise, coll. S. Hirota, 28 August 1893; UMUTZ-CnidG- 277 (G- 44 b), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 44; UMUTZ-CnidG- 278 (G- 44 c), same data as UMUTZ-CnidG- 44; UMUTZ-CnidG- 116, near Misaki Marine biological Station, Sagami Bay, Japan, coll. I. Ijima by diving, 1913; UMUTZ-CnidG- 192, Moroiso, Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan, collected by diving, 12 August 1904; UMUTZ-CnidG- 196, Shimo-Chikura, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, coll. M. Miyajima by coral net, 12 July 1899; AKM 1633, Kominato, Japan, April 1944, deposited in Aikappu Museum of Natural History, Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Hokkaido University; BIK-G 224, Saba-shima Is. Koga Bay, Oga Peninsula, Sea of Japan, 7 m, coll. Y. Sato. 14 July 1988; BIK-G 226, same data as BIK-G 224; RMNH Coel. 41914 (AKM 594), Entrance of Otsuchi Bay, Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.858 ' N, 141 ° 59.972 ' E, 65.6 m, R / V Yayoi, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 12 September 2005; RMNH Coel. 41915 (AKM 614), same data as RMNH Coel. 41914; RMNH Coel. 41916 (AKM 615), Entrance of Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.917 ' N, 142 ° 00.031 ' E, 77.6 m, R / V Yayoi, St. 1 (= St. 2) 1 m biological dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 12 September 2005; RMNH Coel. 41917 (AKM 618), same data as RMNH Coel. 41916; RMNH Coel. 41918 (AKM 619), off Ohako-zaki Cape, Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.428 ' N, 142 ° 00.520 ' E, 69.2 m, R / V Yayoi, St. 2 (= St. 5), 1 m biological dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 12 September 2005; RMNH Coel. 41919 (AKM 622), same data as RMNH Coel. 41918; RMNH Coel. 41920 (AKM 1200), off Ohako-zaki Cape, Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, ca. 39 ° 21 ' N, 142 ° 00 ' E, ca. 90 m, local fishery boat Taku-maru, gill-net, coll. K. Morita, ca. 21 March 2008; RMNH Coel. 41921 (AKM 1201), same data as RMNH Coel. 41920; RMNH Coel. 41922 (AKM 1204), off Ohako-zaki Cape, Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, ca. 39 ° 21 ' N, 142 ° 00 ' E, ca. 90 m, local fishery boat Taku-maru, gill-net, coll. K. Morita, 2 May. 2008; RMNH Coel. 41923 (AKM 1252), off Ohako-zaki Cape, Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, ca. 39 ° 21 ' N, 142 ° 00 ' E, ca. 75 m, local fishery boat Taku-maru, gill-net, coll. K. Morita, 9 May 2008; RMNH Coel. 41924 (AKM 1526), off Oshima Is. Entrance of Otsuchi Bay and Funakoshi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 22.085 ' N, 142 ° 01.152 ' E, 97 m, R / V Yayoi, 1 m biological dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 April 2010.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
E219652340AAB93084BB1CA7FE0CB37E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Melithaea japonica is found at the eastern Pacific side of Japan; Sagami Bay, Izu Peninsula, Boso Peninsula, Nagasaki (Kyushu Is.), Shimo-Chikura (Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Is.), Cape Makurazaki (Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Is.), Otsuchi Bay (Sanriku, Iwate Prefecture); and at the western Sea of Japan side; Oga peninsula (Akita Prefecture) (Fig. 55).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
836B95424A8B86AC9062E5D13C6DBE32.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41925 (AKM 1148), off Kerama Isls., Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 26 ° 09.45 ' N, 127 ° 26.90 ' E - 26 ° 09.65 ' N, 127 ° 26.81 ' E, 85 - 71 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 08 - 33, St. KR- 09, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 15 December 2008; paratype RMNH Coel. 41926 (AKM 1139), off Kerama Isls., Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 26 ° 12 ' N, 127 ° 30 ' E, 56 - 51 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 08 - 33, st. KR- 10, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 15 December 2008.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
836B95424A8B86AC9062E5D13C6DBE32.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is a 12 cm long fragment without holdfast (Fig. 56 a). At the base the stem is 1 cm wide, the end branches are only 1 mm wide. The polyps are situated laterally on the branches, the calyces hardly project beyond the coenenchyme and most polyps are retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 57 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.25 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 57 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 57 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 57 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans (Fig. 57 e), double disks (Fig. 57 h), and small clubs (Fig. 57 f), 0.05 - 0.08 mm long. Spindles (Fig. 58 a) and disk spindles (Fig. 58 b) are also common, 0.10 - 0.15 mm long. The calyces with additional leaf clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 58 c).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
836B95424A8B86AC9062E5D13C6DBE32.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is only known from the Kerama Islands (Fig. 65). Etymology. The species is named after its type locality, the Kerama islands.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
153BC0DA957456F1AF67A2408D95A981.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Syntype ZMB 5807, Sagami Bay (Japan), 80 - 250 m (label 600 m), coll. Doflein 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: ZMUC ANT- 000595, Okinose, Sagami Sea, 60 fms (86 - 110 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 11 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000649, same data as ZMUC ANT- 000595; UMUTZ-CnidG- 19, Kashiwa-jima Is. Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, Japan, probably collected by K. Kinoshita during his Kashiwa-jima Is. Coral Ground Expedition, June 1909; UMUTZ-CnidG- 27, coral ground, Uji Isls. Satsuma, Kanogshima Prefecture, Japan, ca. 80 fms (114 - 121 m), Kinoshita leg. coll. K. Kinoshita, June 1908; AKM 443, Sakai Port, Minabe, Wakayama Prefecture, ca. 33 ° 7445 ' N, 135 ° 3329 ' E, shallower than 100 m, lobster-net, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 1 April 2003; AKM 572, Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, 32 ° 43 ' N, 132 ° 48 ' E, 84.75 - 83.1 m, local fishermen's boat, Kiryo-maru, coral net, st. 3, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004; AKM 740, off Sata-misaki Cape, Kagoshima Prefecture, 31 ° 00.50 ' N, 130 ° 35.09 ' E - 31 ° 01.3211 ' N, 130 ° 34.6509 ' E, 178 - 189 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 1, st. SM- 2, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 23 February 2007; AKM 904, Hachijo Is. Izu Isls., 33 ° 20.9082 ' N, 139 ° 41.1841 ' E - 33 ° 21.0775 ' N, 139 ° 40.4931 ' E, 213 - 185 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31, st. 14, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 November 2007; AKM 1575, Takase west, Izu Is., Japan, ca. 34 ° 21 ' N, 138 ° 52 ' E - 34 ° 26 ' N, 139 ° 07 ' E, 221 - 244 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT- 87 - 19 cruise, St. TW 02, large cylindrical dredge, coll. Suguru Ohta, 8 December 1987; AKM 1594, SE off Taito-Saki, Boso, Chiba Prefecture, 35 ° 05.086 ' N, 140 ° 51.718 ' E - 35 ° 04.176 ' N, 140 ° 50.921 ' E, 975 - 1027 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 03 - 17, St. TS 6 - 3, 3 m ORE beam trawl, coll. Suguru Ohta, 17 November 2003; AKM 1601, Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi pref., 32 ° 37.66 ' N, 132 ° 50.44 ' E - 32 ° 37.56 ' N, 132 ° 47.88 ' E, 114 m, local fishermen's boat, Kiryo-maru, St. 1, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
153BC0DA957456F1AF67A2408D95A981.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Pacific side of Japan (Fig. 65); northern limit is Sagami Bay.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
324397FFCC4EF5F0F6C92C344438D2AE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Neotype SMBL-Cni 1017, Sai, Mutsu Bay, Aomori Prefecture, close to Tsugaru Straits between Sea of Japan and NW Pacific, 5 m, coll. M. Nishihira and Hoshiai, 13 August 1964.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
324397FFCC4EF5F0F6C92C344438D2AE.taxon	description	Description. Colony broken up, consisting of three fragments, bushy with few anastomoses. The largest fragment is 7.3 cm long without holdfast (Fig. 56 c). At the base the stem is 7 mm wide, the end branches are 2 mm wide. The polyps are arranged randomly, the calyces hardly project beyond the coenenchyme and most polyps are retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, distal end with more tubercles (Fig. 63 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, middle part with tubercles (Fig. 63 b). Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 63 c). Coenenchyme with predominantly spindles, 0.10 - 0.25 mm long (Figs 63 f, 64), with simple or complex tubercles. Capstans are also present, 0.05 - 0.10 mm long (Fig. 63 e). The axis has smooth and sparsely tuberculate rods (Fig. 63 d).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
324397FFCC4EF5F0F6C92C344438D2AE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the northern tip of the main island of Japan, Honshu Is. (Fig. 65).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
F141D9E5CEA56EA09680B28872FC8427.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Syntype, BMNH 1947.3.22.6, New Hebrides, Challenger st. 177, 60 - 120 fms (86 - 219 m), dried sclerites, coll. Prof. S. J. Hickson; syntype, BMNH 89.5.27.117, Hyalonema - Ground (Nishi-no yodomi), South of Japan, 35 ° 11 ' N, 139 ° 28 ' E, Challenger st. 232, 345 fms (631 m), 12 May 1875, figured specimen (= Acabaria nodosa Prof. Hickson), old label book 2, p. 12; syntype, BMNH 89.5.27.118 Hyalonema - ground (Nishi-no yodomi), south of Japan, 35 ° 11 ' N, 139 ° 28 ' E, Challenger st. 232, 345 fms (631 m), bottom green mud, 12 May 1875, figured specimen (= Acabaria nodosa Prof. Hickson), old label book 2, p. 12.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
F141D9E5CEA56EA09680B28872FC8427.taxon	distribution	Distribution. New Hebrides, Sagami Bay (Fig. 74).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
1F6E19A80DFAF007E38BE6AA855F1280.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41927 (AKM 408), Watari-se bank, off Izu Isls., 34 ° 02.8620 ' N, 138 ° 54.8090 ' E - 34 ° 02.9190 ' N, 138 ° 54.6810 ' E, 101.1 - 106.2 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 04 - 06 cruise, St. WS- 2, 1 m ORI Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 30 April 2004; paratype RMNH Coel. 41928 (AKM 1606), Takase West, Izu Ridge, 34 ° 26.5 ' N, 139 ° 07.2 ' E, 104 - 127 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 87 - 19, St. TW 1, coll. S. Ohta, 8 December 1987.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
1F6E19A80DFAF007E38BE6AA855F1280.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is a 8 cm long fragment with holdfast (Fig. 66 d). At the base the stem is 3 mm wide, the end branches are only 1 mm wide. The polyps are situated bilaterally on the branches, the calyces are dome-shaped, and most polyps are expanded. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, distal end with leaves (Fig. 70 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 70 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 70 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 70 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans, double disks (Fig. 70 f) and disk spindles (Figs 70 g, 71 c), 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, and small clubs (Fig. 71 a), up to 0.10 mm long. Spindles are also present, 0.10 - 0.25 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 71 d). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 71 b).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
1F6E19A80DFAF007E38BE6AA855F1280.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Off the Izu Islands (Fig. 74)	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
1F6E19A80DFAF007E38BE6AA855F1280.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after Mr. T. J. G. M. van Oyen (NBC) in appreciation of the many microscope slides he prepared for the second author.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4E64241AD345E48FC9C267DED74FA400.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype UMUTZ-CnidG- 32, Nakagusuku Bay, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, diving, 16 April 1901; paratypes, UMUTZ-CnidG- 254, same data as holotype; UMZC I. 36300, S. W. Japan. T. Mizobuchi (purchased). Reg. Jan. 31.1903, 16.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4E64241AD345E48FC9C267DED74FA400.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is a 14.5 cm long fragment without holdfast (Fig. 66 e). At the base the stem is 15 mm wide, the end branches are only 1 mm wide. The polyps are situated on one side of the colony, the calyces hardly project beyond the coenenchyme, and most polyps are retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.10 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 72 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.15 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 72 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 72 c). These platelets are up to 0.10 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 72 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans (Fig. 73 a, d), double disks (Fig. 73 b) and disk spindles (Fig. 73 c), 0.05 - 0.10 mm long, and small clubs with rounded heads, 0.05 mm long (Fig. 72 f). Spindles are also present, 0.10 - 0.20 mm long, with complex tubercles (Fig. 73 e). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.14 mm long (Fig. 72 g). The axis has smooth and sparsely tuberculate rods (Fig. 72 e).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4E64241AD345E48FC9C267DED74FA400.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Okinawa, Japan (Fig. 74).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4DC64F025AB7EF69068D8FEFC2A6A8A5.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41929 (AKM 840 a), East of Jogashima Spur, 35 ° 03.52 ' N, 139 ° 37.43 ' E - 35 ° 04.17 ' N, 139 ° 37.52 ' E, 397 - 286 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31, st. 8, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 25 November 2007; paratypes: ZMUC ANT- 000657, Sagami Bay, Okinose, 200 fms (286 - 366 m), Coll. Mortensen, 1 July 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000660, same data as ZMUC ANT- 000657; RMNH Coel. 41930 (AKM 243), South of Mera-se-minami Knoll, Sagami Bay, 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.7 ' E - 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.9 ' E, 312 - 348 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, St. 10, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 October 2003; RMNH Coel. 41931 (AKM 244), same data as RMNH Coel. 41930; RMNH Coel. 41932 (AKM 247), South of Mera-se Minami Knoll, 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.7 ' E - 34 ° 54.8 ' N, 139 ° 39.9 E, 315 - 365 m, R / V Shinyo-maru, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 18 October 2003; RMNH Coel. 41933 (AKM 593), Entrance of Otsuchi-bay, Iwate Prefecture, 39 ° 21.858 ' N, 141 ° 59.972 ' E, 65.6 m, R / V Yayoi, 1 m biological dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 12 September 2005; RMNH Coel. 41934 (AKM 835), Off Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, depth over 100 m, trawl, coll. Hagihara, June 2007; RMNH Coel. 41935 (AKM 1605), West off Izu-Oshima, Sagami Sea, 410 - 440 m, R / V Hakuho-maru, KH- 78 - 05, st. BS 8, 2 m S. - A. beam trawl, coll. S. Ohta, 9 December 1978; BMNH 62.7.16.62 (61?), off Okushiri Is., 3 miles off shore, Sea of Japan, 41 ° 59 ' N, 138 ° 30 ' E, 25 - 30 feet.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4DC64F025AB7EF69068D8FEFC2A6A8A5.taxon	description	Description. The holotype (RMNH Coel. 41929) consists of a number of branches probably belonging to one colony broken up while collecting (Fig. 75 a). The largest frag ment is 2.8 cm long. A holdfast or anastomoses are not present. The polyps are situated on one side of the colony. The calyces are dome-shaped, about 0.5 mm high and 1 mm wide; most polyps are retracted. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.25 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 76 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.40 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 76 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped (Fig. 76 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long and have almost no tuberculation. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 76 d). Coenenchyme with capstans 0.05 - 0.07 mm long, unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 77 b), small clubs of the same length as the capstans, and spindles 0.10 - 0.20 mm long (Fig. 77 a); all with simple tubercles. The calyces with additional leaf clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 76 e).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4DC64F025AB7EF69068D8FEFC2A6A8A5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Pacific side of Japan; Sagami Bay, off Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture), Otsuchi Bay (Sanriku, Iwate Prefecture); and Sea of Japan side, off Okushiri Is. (Fig. 86).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4DC64F025AB7EF69068D8FEFC2A6A8A5.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after the type locality, Sagami Bay.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
167F1A111CDC40EFF0B4677774A59964.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41936 (AKM 743), Off Sata-misaki Cape, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, 30 ° 56.0025 ' N, 130 ° 44.2299 ' E - 30 ° 56.2953 ' N, 130 ° 43.3981 ' E, 116 - 120 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 1 cruise, St. SM- 1, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 23 February 2007.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
167F1A111CDC40EFF0B4677774A59964.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is a 16.5 cm long colony with holdfast (Fig. 75 c). At the base the stem is 10 mm wide, the end branches are only 1 mm wide. On the lower half of the colony the polyps are situated on one side of the colony; the upper part has polyps all around the branches. The calyces are dome-shaped, and most polyps are expanded. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 82 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 82 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 82 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 82 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans (Fig. 82 f), double disks (Fig. 82 g), and unilaterally foliate spheroids (Fig. 83 b), 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, and small clubs (Fig. 82 h), up to 0.10 mm long. Spindles are also present, 0.10 - 0.25 mm long, with simple or complex tubercles (Fig. 83 c). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 83 a). The axis has smooth and sparsely tuberculate rods (Fig. 82 e).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
167F1A111CDC40EFF0B4677774A59964.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Off Cape Sata misaki, Kagoshima Prefecture (Fig. 86).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
167F1A111CDC40EFF0B4677774A59964.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after the type locality, Satsuma, the old name of Kagoshima Prefecture.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7F18DC06450476C579F22D194E4E864E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype ZMUC ANT- 000565, off Nagasaki, 32 ° 22 ' N, 128 ° 42 ' E, 170 fms (311 m), 25 December 1900, coll. Suenson.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7F18DC06450476C579F22D194E4E864E.taxon	description	Description. Colony branched in one plane, with slender branches (Fig. 75 d). Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.30 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles or leaves (Fig. 84 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.35 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 84 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 84 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 84 d). Coenenchyme with capstans (Fig. 84 e) and disk spindles (Figs 84 f, 85 c), 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, and small clubs of similar length (Fig. 84 g). Spindles are also present, 0.15 - 0.30 mm long, with simple or complex tubercles (Fig. 85 b). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 85 a).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7F18DC06450476C579F22D194E4E864E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Off Nagasaki, East China Sea (Fig. 86).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
7F18DC06450476C579F22D194E4E864E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is named after the collector, E. Suenson, who belonged to the Telegraph company Great Nordic Ltd. (Store Nordiske), established in 1869 at Denmark (Matsumoto 2014, 2015).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
616ABEA399C8A24C6F62D20840831B29.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41937 (AKM 948), Toshima Is., Izu Isls., 34 ° 33.1102 ' N, 139 ° 17.4102 ' E - 34 ° 33.6524 ' N, 143 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31 (Kuramochi leg.) St. 22 (L- 3 - 100), coll. A. K. Matsumoto; paratype: RMNH Coel. 41938 (AKM 941) Toshima Is., Izu Isl, 34 ° 34.4640 ' N, 139 ° 18.3760 ' E - 34 ° 33.5601 ' N, 139 ° 17.8631 ' E, 152 - 198 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 31 (Kuramochi leg.) St. 21 (L- 3 - 200), coll. A. K. Matsumoto.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
616ABEA399C8A24C6F62D20840831B29.taxon	description	Description. The holotype (RMNH Coel. 41937) consists of a large number of branches probably belonging to one colony broken up while collecting (Fig. 87 a). The largest fragment, with the holdfast, is 6.5 cm long. The stem is 10 mm long and 3 mm wide; branching is in one plane. A few anastomoses are present. The polyps are situated on one side of the colony. The calyces are dome-shaped, about 0.5 mm high and 1 mm wide. Many polyps are expanded. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.20 mm long, distal end with more developed tubercles (Fig. 88 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.25 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 88 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped (Fig. 88 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 88 d). Coenenchyme with capstans (Fig. 89 a) 0.05 - 0.07 mm long, several slightly unilaterally foliate (Fig. 89 b), unilaterally foliate spindles (Fig. 89 c), small clubs of the same length as the capstans (Fig. 88 e); spindles 0.10 - 0.25 mm long (Fig. 89 d); all with simple tubercles. The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 88 f).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
616ABEA399C8A24C6F62D20840831B29.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Izu Isls (Fig. 98). Etymology. The species is named after the R / V Tansei-maru.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
0279B067626341CDE25DCC86C9198A55.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Syntype ZMB 5799, Sagami Bay (Japan), 600 m (label 60 - 250 m), coll. Doflein, 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: BMNH 1921.10.26.9 - 2, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 200 fms (286 - 366 m), coll. A. V. Insole, May 1921; BMNH 1921.10.26.7, same data as BMNH 1921.10.26.9 - 2; ZMUC ANT- 000593, Sagami Bay, 400 fms, coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 2 July 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000594, Sagami Bay, Japan, 80 - 120 fms (114 - 219 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 6 - 19 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000661, Sagami Sea, 300 fms (429 - 549 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 29 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000656, off Misaki Biological Station, Sagami Bay, 200 fms (286 - 366 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 30 June 1914; ZMUC ANT- 000651, Off Misaki, Sagami Bay, ca. 250 fms (ca. 358 - 457 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 10 June 1914; UMUTZ-CnidG- 16, near Doketsuba, Sagami Bay, 170 - 180 hiro (243 - 272 m), coll. Kuma Aoki, 12 August 1895; UMUTZ-CnidG- 198, Mera-no-hai-dashi-Oise line, Sagami Bay, 350 fms (500 - 529 m), coll. H. Matsumoto and H. Chiba, 21 July 1913; UMUTZ-CnidG- 233, Gokeba, Sagami Bay, 150 - 20 hiro (227 - 29 m), coll. Kuma Aoki, 18 June 1902; AKM 142, East China Sea, R / V Tanisei-maru, KT 02 - 03, st. E- 5 - 1, 1 m Dredge, 19 April 2002; AKM 234, South of Mera-se Bank, Sagami-bay, 34 ° 60.0 ' N, 139 ° 40.2 ' E - 35 ° 0.0 ' N, 139 ° 40.3 ' E, 97 - 108 m, 17 October 2003; AKM 235, same data as AKM 234; AKM 413, Watari-se bank, Off Izu Isls., 34 ° 02.8620 ' N, 138 ° 54.8090 ' E - 34 ° 02.9190 ' N, 138 ° 54.6810 ' E, 101.1 - 106.2 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 04 - 06, st. WS- 2, 1 m ORI dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 30 April 2004; RMNH Coel. 41939 (AKM 414), same data; AKM 415, same data; AKM 421, same data; AKM 422, same data; RMNH Coel. 41940 (AKM 521), Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi prefecture, 132 ° 50.44 ' E 32 ° 37.66 ' N, - 132 ° 47.88 ' E 32 ° 37.56 ' N, 114 m, local fishermen's boat Kiryo-maru, St. 1, coral net, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004; AKM 663, off Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, 33 ° 39.05 ' N, 135 ° 09.89 ' E - 33 ° 38.96 ' N, 135 ° 10.16 ' E, 170.3 - 173.1 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 05 - 30, st. TN- 1 (1), coll. A. K. Matsumoto 26 November 2005; RMNH Coel. 41942 (AKM 664), same data as AKM 663; AKM 670, off Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, 33 ° 39.02 ' N, 135 ° 09.89 ' E - 33 ° 39.03 ' N, 135 ° 09.07 ' E, 169.8 - 172.5 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 05 - 30, TN- 1 (2), coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 26 November 2005; AKM 745, off Satamisaki Cape, Kagoshima Prefecture, 30 ° 56.0025 ' N, 130 ° 44.2299 ' E - 30 ° 56.2953 ' N, 130 ° 43.3981 ' E, 116 - 120 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 1, st. SM- 1, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 23 February 2007; RMNH Coel. 41943 (AKM 980), Tsukura-se bank, Kagoshima Prefecture, East China Sea, 31 ° 18.95 ' N, 129 ° 46.15 ' E - 31 ° 18.50 ' N, 129 ° 45.96 ' E, 154 - 155 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 08 - 3, St. NM 05, ORI- TI Chain Bag Dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 6 March 2008; AKM 983, same data as RMNH Coel. 41943; AKM 1222, off Takarajima Is., Tokara Isls, East-China Sea, 29 ° 05.29 ' N, 129 ° 10.43 ' E, 334 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 21, st. DT 0203 - 1, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. Yokose, 31 August 2007; AKM 1230, same data as AKM 1222; AKM 1598, Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, 32 ° 37 ' N, 132 ° 50 ' E, 114 m, local fishermen's boat Kiryo-maru, st. 1, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004; AKM 1600, Otsuki, Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, 32 ° 43.08 ' N, 132 ° 48.06 ' E - 32 ° 43.12 ' N, 132 ° 47.68 ' E, 84.75 - 83.1 m, local fishermen's boat Kiryo-maru, st. 3, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 7 October 2004.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
0279B067626341CDE25DCC86C9198A55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sagami Bay, and now South to East China Sea (Fig. 98).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4C7B633B15B1607D9A0BA0913ACF7043.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype RMNH Coel. 41941 (AKM 1212), 28 ° 54.90 ' N, 129 ° 04.09 ' E, off Yokoate-jima, Tokara Islands, East China Sea, 395 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 21, St. DY 0205, Chain Bag Dredge, coll. Dr. H. Yokose, 30 August 2007.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4C7B633B15B1607D9A0BA0913ACF7043.taxon	description	Description. Colony branched in one plane, broken up while collecting (Fig. 87 c). The largest fragment being 12 cm long. The larger nodes are swollen and clearly visible. The polyps are situated on one side of the colony. The calyces are dome-shaped, about 0.5 mm high and 1 mm wide. Points with slightly bent spindles up to 0.25 mm long, distal end more tuberculate (Fig. 92 a). Collaret with bent spindles up to 0.35 mm long, middle part with more developed tubercles (Fig. 92 b). Tentacles with platelets, the larger ones crescent-shaped with irregular projections (Fig. 92 c). These platelets are up to 0.15 mm long. Pharynx with straight spiny rods, up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 92 d). Coenenchyme with predominantly capstans, double disks (Fig. 93 b) and disk spindles (Fig. 93 c), 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, and small clubs (Fig. 92 f), up to 0.10 mm long. Spindles are also present, 0.10 - 0.30 mm long, mostly with simple tubercles (Fig. 93 d). The calyces with additional clubs, up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 93 a). The axis has smooth and sparsely tuberculate rods (Fig. 92 e).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
4C7B633B15B1607D9A0BA0913ACF7043.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from off the Tokara Islands. (Fig. 98). Etymology. The species is named after the type locality, the Tokara Islands.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
23AB7CF757676178AB70E9DDF6154172.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype ZMB 5803, Sagami Bay, Japan, 700 m, coll. Doflein, 1904 / 05; previously unidentified museum material: ZMUC ANT- 000592, Sagami Sea, Japan, 500 fms (715 - 914 m), coll. Dr. Th. Mortensen, 25 June 1914; BMNH 1921.10.26.9 - 1, BMNH 1921.10.26.9 - 2, Misaki, Sagami Bay, 200 fms (286 - 366 m), coll. A. V. Insole, May 1921; MZS-Cni 57, Sagami Bay, 200 m, coll. Doederlein. UMUTZ-CnidG- 14, Niijima Is., Izu Isls., coll. sp. no. 80, 22 April; UMUTZ-CnidG- 20, Dokesuba, Sagami Bay, 130 hiro (186 - 196 m), coll. Kuma Aoki, 9 August 1897; UMUTZ-CnidG- 234, Mochiyama, Sagami Bay, 400 hiro (572 - 604 m), possibly coll. Kuma Aoki; AKM 502, Ose-zaki, Suruga Bay, 137 - 155 m, coll. K. Kitazawa, 22 July, 2004; RMNH Coel. 42030 (AKM 724), off Tanega-shima Is., East China Sea, 30 ° 24.62 ' N, 131 ° 08.46 ' E - 30 ° 24.95 ' N, 131 ° 08.32 ' E, 468 - 502 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 07 - 1, st. TN- 3, 1 m biological dredge, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 23 February 2007; AKM 1034, Koshiki Knoll, off Kagoshima, East China Sea, 31 ° 36 ' N, 129 ° 19 ' E, 497 - 535 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 08 - 3, st. KS- 01, coll. A. K. Matsumoto, 6 March, 2008; AKM 1591, Danzyo-Basin, East China Sea, 31 ° 58.02 ' N, 129 ° 02.28 ' E - 31 ° 59.30 ' N, 129 ° 01.19 ' E, 711 - 801 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 00 - 17, St. DZ- 1, ORE Beam Trawl of 3 m span, coll. Suguru Ohta, 12 December 2000; AKM 1592, same data as AKM 1591; AKM 1593, South East off Taito-saki Cape, Boso Peninsula, 35 ° 05.086 ' N, 140 ° 51.718 ' E - 35 ° 04.176 ' N, 140 ° 50.92 ' E, 975 - 1027 m, R / V Tansei-maru, KT 03 - 17, st. TS 6 - 3, coll. S. Ohta, 17 November 2003; AKM 1599, South off Daio-zaki Cape, Kumano-nada, 34 ° 05 ' N, 136 ° 51 ' E, R / V Tanisei-maru, KT 94 - 07, st. KN 25, 25 May 1994, 475 - 494 m, coll. S. Ohta; AKM 1604, west off Izu-Oshima, Sagami Bay, 139 ° 15.0 ' E 34 ° 40.4 ' N, 415 - 440 m, R / V Hakuho-maru, KH- 78 - 05, st. BS 8, 2 m S. - A. beam trawl (on label), 7 December 1978.	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
23AB7CF757676178AB70E9DDF6154172.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern Pacific coast of Japan, north to Sagami Bay, south to East China Sea; Suruga Bay, off Taito-Saki Cape, Boso Peninsula; off Tanega-shima Is., Koshiki Knoll., Danzyo Basin, off Kagoshima (Fig. 98).	en	Matsumoto, Asako K., van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2015): Melithaeidae of Japan (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) re-examined with descriptions of 11 new species. ZooKeys 522: 1-127, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.522.10294
