taxonID	type	description	language	source
03BCB7172325FFD4FF3586BBFCD1FB89.taxon	discussion	For genus definition and synonymy see Ofwegen (2016)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	description	(Figs. 1 a, 2 a, 3)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 10288, Great Barrier Reef, GBR 2, Cockburn reef, depth 12 - 15 m, 10 December 1990, coll. J. Jan; paratype: NTM C 10322, Great Barrier Reef, GBR 3, Nomad / Mason reef, depth 3 - 6 m, 11 December 1990, coll. J. Jan.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 10288 is 11.5 cm high and 9.5 cm wide, the stalk is 2.5 cm high (Fig. 1 a). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.8 mm high and grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With very irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 2 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.45 mm long (Fig. 3 a); towards the adaxial side they become smaller (Fig. 3 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 3 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with many straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 3 d). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.30 mm (Fig. 3 e). Some polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Many xeniid type sclerites are present in the polyp body (Figs. 2 a, the small ovals in the polyp, 3 f). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles, some unilaterally spinose, up to 1 mm long and all with simple tubercles (Fig. 3 g). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans and spiny derivatives of capstans up to 0.20 mm long, and spindles, mostly unilaterally spinose, up to 0.70 mm long, with complex tubercles (Fig. 3 h). Interior stalk. Spindles with complex tubercles (Fig. 3 i) and pointed ends. These spindles are mostly up to 0.75 mm long, a few are longer than 1 mm (Fig. 3 j). Smaller spindles are somewhat flattened (Fig. 3 k).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Cockburn reef, Nomad / Mason reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFD5FF3587EEFBA1F944.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only Australian Litophyton species with projecting supporting bundles and polyps higher than wide. Some polyps of L. elfordensis sp. nov. are also higher than wide (Fig. 2 e, h) but most are wider than high (Fig. 2 d, f-g). Both holotype and paratype have xeniid type sclerites in the polyps (Figs. 2 a, 3 f). This is also the case in some specimens of L. spinulosum sp. nov., but that species has a clearly different colony shape, with spherical catkins (Fig. 26 a-c), and the tubercles on its sclerites are more complex (Figs. 26 d-i, 27 - 30). L. robustum (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate, Indonesia) resembles this species regarding polyps being higher than wide (Fig. 4 a). However, L. robustum has much larger spindles in the interior of the base of the stalk, up to 1.5 mm long. For comparison the colony (Fig. 12 d) and sclerites (Fig. 4) of L. robustum are also presented.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFDBFF358226FE62FCEE.taxon	description	(Figs. 1 b, 2 b, 5)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFDBFF358226FE62FCEE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4149, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen. Description. The holotype NTM C 4149 is 14 cm high and 6 cm wide, the stalk is 5 cm high (Fig. 1 b). The polyps are up to 1.00 mm wide and 0.50 mm high, and are grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 2 b). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.50 mm long (Fig. 5 a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 5 b). Tentacles with curved rods and scales up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 5 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 5 d-e). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.30 mm (Fig. 5 f). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 2.40 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 5 g). Surface layer base stalk. A few capstans and derivatives of capstans (Fig. 5 h-i), but mostly spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles; similar to those of the top of the stalk. These spindles are up to 2.00 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 2.00 mm long (Fig. 5 j), with complex tubercles (Fig. 5 k).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFDBFF358226FE62FCEE.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFDBFF358226FE62FCEE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172324FFDBFF358226FE62FCEE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. L. myrmidonensis sp. nov. and L. rowleyensis sp. nov. also have very long spindles in the interior of the base of the stalk. Both differ in having supporting bundle spindles with a smooth projecting end. Moreover, L. myrmidonensis has many radiates and derivatives of radiates in the base of the stalk, and L. rowleyensis differs in having ovals in the polyp stalk.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232AFFDBFF3586DFFDCDF8FE.taxon	description	(Figs. 2 c, 6 - 7, 12 a)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232AFFDBFF3586DFFDCDF8FE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 362, February 1978, coll. D. Schubot; paratype NTM C 4141, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 6 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen. Description. The holotype NTM C 362 is 7 cm high and 10,5 cm wide, the stalk is 2 cm high (Fig. 12 a). The polyps are up to 0.65 mm wide and 0.50 mm high, and grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 2 c). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.45 mm long (Fig. 6 a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 6 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 6 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.12 mm long (Fig. 6 d). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.70 mm (Fig. 6 e). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles. The spindles are up to 0.80 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles and long spines (Fig. 6 f-g). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.60 mm long, with complex tubercles and very long spines (Fig. 7 a). Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed or blunt ends, up to 1.00 mm long and smaller irregular forms (Fig. 7 b-c), with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 7 d).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232AFFDBFF3586DFFDCDF8FE.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the locality of the paratype.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232AFFDBFF3586DFFDCDF8FE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Dip reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232AFFDBFF3586DFFDCDF8FE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only species with projecting supporting bundle and blunt interior spindles. The unilaterally spinose sclerites with very long spines are very distinctive but in group I are also present in L. elfordensis sp. nov., L. graafae sp. nov., and L. myrmidonensis sp. nov. However, L. dipensis has many interior stalk spindles with blunt ends, in L. elfordensis they are branched, in L. graafae they are pointed with very coarse tubercles, and in L. myrmidonensis they are very slender.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	description	(Figs. 1 c-f, 2 d-h, 8 - 11)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype, NTM C 193, Queensland, Elford reef, 1 December 1976, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 192, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 4022, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders Cay, depth 5 - 10 m, 24 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 04135, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, 10 - 15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 193 is 5 cm high and 7 cm wide, the stalk is 3 cm high (Fig. 1 c). The polyps are up to 0.80 mm wide and high, and are grouped in spherical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 2 d-e). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 8 a), with a leafy distal part; towards the adaxial points the spindles become smaller (Fig. 8 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 8 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 8 d). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2.00 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.40 mm (Fig. 8 e). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 8 f-h), with complex tubercles and long spines. The spindles are up to 1.40 mm long. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.60 mm long, with complex tubercles (Figs 8 i). The spines of the unilaterally spinose sclerites are very long. Interior stalk. Branched spindles, mostly laterally, up to 2.00 mm long, with complex tubercles and pointed ends (Fig. 8 j-l).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Elford reef, Flinders reef, Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFDEFF3585F4FDB8FB79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only species with projecting supporting bundle and leafy point spindles. The species shows a lot of variation regarding polyp armature (Fig. 2 d-h) and interior stalk sclerites, and therefore the colonies (Fig. 1 d-f) and sclerites (Figs. 9 - 11) of all paratypes are also presented. NTM C 192 and NTM C 4022 do not show branched internal spindles (Figs. 9 j, 10 g) but both specimens probably lack the base of the stalk (Fig. 1 d-e). The unilaterally spinose sclerites with long spines are very distinctive in L. elfordensis but are also present in the group I species L. dipensis sp. nov., L. myrmidonensis sp. nov., and L. graafae sp. nov. The differences between these four species are discussed with L. dipensis.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	description	(Figs. 13 a, 14 - 15, 21 f)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4095, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 8 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratype NTM C 4097, coll. Z. Dinesen (probably same data as holotype).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4095 is 9.5 cm high and 8 cm wide, the stalk is 4 cm high (Fig. 21 f). The polyps are up to 0.50 mm wide and 0.40 mm high, and are grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and blunt terminal projections, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 14 a); towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 14 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 14 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 14 d-e). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 1.60 mm long, with complex tubercles and a leafy projecting part projecting for a maximum distance of 0.10 mm (Fig. 14 f). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core (not shown in polyp drawing). Surface layer top stalk. A few capstans present but mostly spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 1.60 mm long, with complex tubercles (Figs. 14 g, 15 a-b). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with complex tubercles and long spines (Fig. 15 c). The spindles are up to 1.20 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 1.20 mm long (Fig. 15 d), with large complex tubercles (Fig. 15 f); the smaller spindles distinctly flattened (Fig. 15 e).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after my girlfriend Jose de Graaf.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: John Brewer reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717232FFFC3FF358074FE02FE62.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only Australian species of Litophyton with projecting supporting bundle spindles with leafy distal end. Also the interior spindles with rather large simple tubercles and the large derivatives of capstans characterise this species. The paratype NTM C 4097 has not only supporting bundle spindles with leafy distal end but also its larger point spindles have a leafy appearance.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	description	(Figs. 12 b, 13 c, 16 - 17)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 994, 1978, coll. D. Schubot; paratypes: NTM C 3951, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 7 January 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4393, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 3 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; other material: NTM C 2247, Queensland, Briggs-Sudbury reef, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 994 is 16 cm high and 15.5 cm wide, the stalk is 4 cm high (Fig. 12 b). The base of the stalk has a flap of tissue, probably encrusting the substrate when the colony was alive. The polyps are up to 0.8 mm wide and 0.45 mm high, grouped in oblong to spherical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 c). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long, towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 16 a). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 16 b). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 16 c-d). A couple of these rods have a rough surface texture. Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2 mm long, with simple tubercles, and a smooth or spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.40 mm (Fig. 16 e). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 16 f-g). The unilaterally spinose sclerites have long spines. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles (Figs. 16 h-i, 17 a-b). The spindles are up to 0.80 mm long. The unilaterally spinose sclerites have long spines. In the flap unilaterally spinose sclerites are lacking (Fig. 17 c-d). Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 2.00 mm long (Fig. 17 e-f), with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 17 g).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the paratype locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Myrmidon reef, Briggs-Sudbury reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFC3FF358774FE91F920.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only Litophyton species with projecting supporting bundle with spindles with a smooth tip and polyp stalks with long rods. With some doubts NTM C 2247 is included in this species as it shows some supporting bundle spindles with smooth, projecting tip and long rods in the polyp stalk, but its interior stalk spindles differ, being only 0.85 mm long.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	description	(Figs. 1 g, 13 d, 18 - 19)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4203, Queensland, South Great Barrier Reef, Flinders reef, depth 30 - 35 m, 21 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; two paratypes NTM C 4197, Queensland, South Great Barrier Reef; Flinders reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 26 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4203 is 4 cm high and 5 cm wide, the stalk is 2 cm high (Fig. 1 g). The polyps are up to 1 mm wide and 0.45 mm high, and are grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 d). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.60 mm long (Fig. 18 a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 18 b). Several of the point sclerites project beyond the polyp head (Fig. 13 d). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 18 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 18 d-e). These rods have a crystalline texture. Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.40 mm (Fig. 18 f-g). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles up to 1.00 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 18 h-i). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles (Figs. 18 j-k, 19 a-c). The spindles are up to 0.80 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 1.00 mm long (Fig. 19 d-e), the smaller ones with simple tubercles, the larger ones with more complex tubercles (Fig. 19 f).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin projectum, projection, refers to the projecting point spindles of this species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Flinders reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172332FFCCFF35838CFB80FC8A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the only Litophyton species with projecting supporting bundle also having projecting point spindles. NTM C 4197 has different stalk sclerites than the holotype as its interior stalk spindles are longer and wider (Fig. 19 g) and more capstans and derivatives of capstans are present in the surface layer of the base stalk (Fig. 19 h-i). As the other characters are similar to the holotype I consider this to be infraspecific variation.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	description	(Figs. 12 c, 13 e, 20)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4013, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 8 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 2246, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 4099, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 10 - 13 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4125, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 10 - 13 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4150, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 8 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4381, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4013 is 7.5 cm high and 4.5 cm wide, the stalk is 2.2 cm high (Fig. 12 c). The polyps are up to 0.8 mm wide and 0.65 mm high, and are grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With relatively regular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 e). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 20 a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 20 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 20 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with many straight rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 20 d), and platelets up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 20 e). The polyp stalk sclerites have a crystalline texture, as do the smaller tentacle scales. Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 3.00 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny or sometimes smooth tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.30 mm (Fig. 20 f). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles, up to 2 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 20 g). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles (Figs 20 h-i). The spindles are up to 0.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends, up to 1.5 mm long (Fig. 20 j), with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 20 l). Smaller spindles are flattened (Fig. 20 k)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Greek Pseudo, for false, referring to the superficially similar L. rowleyensis sp. nov.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: John Brewer reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233DFFCCFF3586E3FE9DF80D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 4099 and NTM C 4125 have longer internal spindles, up to 2.00 mm long. The other Litophyton species with supporting bundle spindles with a smooth tip and platelets in the polyp stalk, L. rowleyensis sp. nov. (see below), has the supporting bundle projecting for a maximum distance of 0.80 mm. Furthermore, it has many more rods in the polyp stalk and polyp sclerites that are relatively well organised into point-like groups (Fig. 13 b).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	description	(Figs. 21 a-e, 13 b, g, 22 - 25)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 10780, Western Australia, Rowley Shoals, Clerke reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 18 July 1987, coll. J. Hooper; paratypes: NTM C 5804, two specimens, same data as holotype; NTM C 5807, two specimens, Western Australia, Rowley Shoals, Clerke reef, collected in a lagoon, depth 10 m, 18 July 1987, coll. J. Hooper; NTM C 10722, North-Western Australia, July 1987, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 10737; same data as holotype; NTM C 10769, Western Australia, Rowley Shoals.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 10780 is 4.5 cm high and 8 cm wide, the stalk is 2 cm high (Fig. 21 a). The polyps are up to 0.6 mm wide and 0.75 mm high, and are grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 g). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.45 mm long (Fig. 22 a), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 22 b). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 22 c). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with straight rods up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 22 e), and platelets up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 22 d). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 2.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and a spiny or sometimes smooth tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.80 mm (Fig. 22 f). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 22 g-h). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple tubercles (Fig. 22 i-j). The spindles are up to 1.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles with pointed ends (Fig. 22 k-l), up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 22 m).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western Australia: Rowley Shoals.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFCEFF3585F4FE7BFA75.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The specimens of Litophyton rowleyensis show a considerable variation concerning colony shape (Fig. 21 a-e) and sclerites (Figs. 22 - 25). One of the paratypes of NTM C 5807 (Fig. 21 d) and NTM C 10722 (Fig. 21 c) lack the basal part of the stalk and show shorter internal spindles, only up to 1.00 mm long (Fig. 24 e), with complex tubercles, and less spiny surface stalk sclerites (Fig. 23 j-k). The other paratype of NTM C 5807 (Fig. 21 e) shows the longest internal stalk spindles, up to 2.00 mm long (Fig. 25 j). One of the paratypes of NTM C 5804 (Fig. 21 b) has many rather smooth internal stalk sclerites (Fig. 24 a-c). The paratype of NTM C 5807 having the largest internal stalk sclerites (Fig. 25 j) suggests this is the specimen with most of the stalk intact as in general the internal stalk sclerites become larger towards the base of the stalk (see material and methods). Apparently also the holotype lacks a bit of the base which is sometimes difficult to observe as with collecting a broken stalk tends to close fast (my field observations while collecting nephtheids).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFF9FF358378FA92FEF2.taxon	description	(Figs. 13 f, 26 - 30)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFF9FF358378FA92FEF2.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 215, Queensland, Milln reef, 2 December 1976, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 194 - NTM C 195, same data as holotype; NTM C 204 - NTMC 214, same data as holotype; NTM C 369, Bommie, Milln reef, Queensland, depth 6 - 10 m, February 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 447, Bommie, Milln reef, Queensland, depth 6 - 8 m, February 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 541 - NTM C 544, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 761, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 1369, Sweet-lip reef, Swain reefs, Queensland, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2239 - NTM C 02240, Bommie, Briggs reef, Queensland; depth 6 - 7 m, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2291, Queensland, Moore reef, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2841, coll. Z. Dinesen. Description. The holotype NTM C 215 is 4.3 cm high and 7 cm wide, the stalk is 1.8 cm high (Fig. 26 a). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.5 mm high, and grouped in spherical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 13 f). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spiny distal part, largest present abaxially, up to 0.45 mm long (Fig. 26 d), towards the adaxial points they become smaller (Fig. 26 e). Tentacles with curved scales up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 26 f). Adaxial side of the polyp stalk with many straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 26 g). Supporting bundle composed of one or two spindles up to 1.60 mm long, with simple tubercles and sometimes a spiny tip projecting for a maximum distance of 0.30 mm (Fig. 26 h). Many polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans up to 0.10 mm long, and many spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 1.10 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 26 i, 27 a-b). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 27 c-d). The spindles are up to 0.30 mm long. Interior stalk. Mostly unbranched spindles, branched spindles, and spindles with a few side branches (Fig. 27 e-f), all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 27 g) and pointed ends. The spindles are up to 0.85 mm long.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFF9FF358378FA92FEF2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin spinulosum, spiny, referring to the spiny colony shape, the most spiny appearance of all Australian Litophyton species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFF9FF358378FA92FEF2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Milln reef, Moore reef, Elford reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717233FFFF9FF358378FA92FEF2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The microscope slide of NTM C 204 showed somewhat bigger internal spindles, up to 1.50 mm long, NTM C 541 even has spindles up to 2.00 mm long. NTM C 541 - NTM C 544, and NTM C 1369 contain xeniid type sclerites in the polyps (Fig. 28 e). NTM C 2291 (Fig. 26 c) sclerites are also presented (Figs. 29 - 30). NTM C 1369, NTM C 2239, and NTM C 2240 show smaller catkins. This is the most common species with projecting supporting bundle on the Great Barrier Reef. L. elfordensis sp. nov. has interior stalk spindles with side branches in common with L. spinulosum sp. nov. It differs from L. spinulosum in having much longer interior stalk spindles, up to 2 mm long, and point spindles with leafy distal end.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	description	(Figs. 31 a-b, 32 a-b, 33 - 35)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4107; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, 5 - 10 m depth, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 4108, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 26 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 1365, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Sanctuary reef, 13 November 1980; coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3955, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders reef, depth - 2 m; 22 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 3961, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 1 - 5 m; 6 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 3979, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders reef, S. W., depth 5 - 10 m; 26 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 3996, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4028, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 4107 holotype is 5 cm high and 10 cm wide, the stalk is 2 cm long (Fig. 31 a). The polyps are grouped in conical catkins, they are up to 0.5 mm wide and high. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in points (Fig. 32 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are unilaterally spinous or foliaceous spindles, the largest present abaxially, up to 0.50 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 33 a). Adaxially there are only tentacles sclerites, small rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 33 b). The polyp stalk next to the adaxial tentacles has a few small almost smooth rods (Fig. 33 c). Supporting bundle not projecting, composed of spindles up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles and a somewhat spiny distal end (Fig. 33 d). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.55 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles and long spines (Fig. 33 e). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 33 f-g, 34 a). The derivations of capstans and unilaterally spinose spindles have very large spines. The spindles are up to 0.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long (Fig. 34 b, c), with pointed ends and simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 34 d). The smaller spindles are often branched. Variability. Paratype NTM C 3979 (Fig. 31 b) overall shows more slender internal spindles (Fig. 35 k). This is probably caused by different sampling position. Both the holotype and this paratype miss the basal part of the stalk.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Latin acutus, acute, sharp, pointed, refers to the interior spindles with pointed ends.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Queensland: Davies reef, Rib reef, Sanctuary reef, Flinders reef, Dip reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3587B2FD1EF828.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The holotype obviously is lacking the very base of the stalk (Fig. 31 a). L. acutum sp. nov., L. obtusum sp. nov., and L. territoryensis sp. nov. all have unilaterally spinose sclerites with long spines. L. acutum and L. territoryensis with interior of the stalk with many spindles with pointed ends, but the spindles of L. territoryensis have much finer tuberculation. L. obtusum has many interior stalk spindles with blunt ends and less branched small internal stalk spindles.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172308FFF9FF3584FBFA5CFD38.taxon	description	(Adaxial side of polyps without sclerites)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	description	(Figs. 31 c, 32 c, 36)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4164, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Brewer reef, reef flat, 8 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 4035; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4134, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 10 - 15 m; 23 November 1980, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4137, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4138, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 15 - 20 m, 5 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4155, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4237, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 20 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4327; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 10 m, 5 October 1980, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4356, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 3 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4365; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 10 - 15 m; 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4373, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 3 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4375; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 5 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4377, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 15 - 20 m, 5 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4394, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 9 October 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 5391, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Darley reef, 25 November 1982, coll. G. König.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 4164 holotype is 10.5 cm high and 10 cm wide, the stalk is 1 cm long (Fig. 31 c). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.9 mm high, mostly situated on long catkins. Polyps. With a relatively regular arrangement of sclerites in points (Fig. 32 c). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with spines, the largest present abaxially, up to 0.50 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 36 a). Adaxially there are no sclerites, only the tentacles have sclerites in this part of the polyp, small, bent rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 36 b-c). Supporting bundle very weak and not projecting, composed of spindles, up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles, more tuberculate at both ends (Fig. 36 d). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 36 e). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans (Fig. 36 f-g), 0.05 - 0.20 mm long. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles. The spines of the unilaterally spinose sclerites are very long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long (Fig. 36 h), with pointed or blunt ends and quite tall complex tubercles (Fig. 36 j). The smaller spindles are less tuberculate (Fig. 36 i). Variability. The length of the basal internal stalk spindles does vary, NTM C 4377 has the longest, up to 1.80 mm long. Several specimens have rods in the polyp stalk, sometimes in larger numbers than present in L. acutum sp. nov.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Latin obtusus, blunt, refers to the presence of interior stalk spindles with blunt ends.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Brewer reef, Davies reef, Rib reef, Myrmidon reef, Dip reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFFAFF3585F4FBEAF955.taxon	discussion	Remarks. L. acutum sp. nov., L. obtusum sp. nov., and L. territoryensis sp. nov. all have unilaterally spinose sclerites with long spines. The differences are discussed with L. acutum. The permanent microscope slide of NTM C 4356 did not show the characteristic internal spindles of this species, an additional temporary slide did show them. The species resembles L. capnelliformis (Thomson & Dean, 1931), from Timor, Indonesia, regarding the internal stalk spindles with blunt ends (Fig. 82 g). However, L. capnelliformis lacks the unilaterally spinose sclerites in the polyps and in the surface of the stalk. Unfortunately, the polyp sclerite arrangement of L. capnelliformis is not clear due to a large amount of detritus present in the polyps. Therefore, the one polyp drawn (Fig. 82 a) could have rods in the adaxial side of the polyp stalk, as others do, the rods are possibly just hidden by the detritus.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	description	(Figs. 32 d-f, 37 - 40)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 3187, Northern Territory, Van Diemen Gulf, Trepang Bay, depth 1 - 1.5 m, 14 October 1981; paratypes: NTM C 3206 - NTM C 3208, NTM C 3213, PA 5, Northern Territory, Van Diemen Gulf, Trepang Bay, depth 1 - 1.5 m, 14 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3223 - NTM C 3224, Northern Territory, Van Diemen Gulf, Trepang Bay, depth 1.5 - 6 m, 15 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3370, PA 11, Northern Territory, Port Essington, Coral Bay, depth 5 - 6 m, 18 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3371, NTM C 3373, same data as NTM C 3370; NTM C 3469, NTM C 03471, PA 14, Northern Territory, Sandy Is., No. 2, depth 7 - 8 m; 20 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3663, PA 20; Northern Territory, Table Head, Port Essington, depth 2 - 4 m, 3 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 03683, NTM C 3686 - NTM C 3687, Northern Territory, Coburg Peninsula, Table Head, PA 20, depth 2 - 4 m, 3 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3684, PA 20, Northern Territory, Coburg Peninsula, Table Head, depth 2 - 4 m, 3 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 03688; Northern Territory, Coburg Peninsula, Table Head, 2 - 4 m; 2 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3714 - NTM C 03715, Northern Territory, Port Essington, Table Head, depth 3 - 5 m, 4 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3743, NTM C 3745, NTM C 3746, NTM C 5231, Northern Territory, Darwin Harbour, Channel Is., Sta RW 8528, coral; reef flat LWS, 17 October 1985, coll. R. Williams; NTM C 5472, Northern Territory, Darwin, East Arm, LWS, 10 February 1987, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 5651, Sta. CP 70, Northern Territory, Port Essington, Coral Bay, depth 2 - 5 m, 12 September 1985, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 5729, Sta. CP 78 A, Northern Territory, Port Essington, Kennedy Bay, depth 3 m, 17 September 1985, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 11170 - NTM C 11172, NTM C 11174 - NTM C 11175, Northern Territory, Darwin, East Arm, (Nr Boatramp), MLW, 28 October 1991; NTM C 2906 - NTM C 2907, Northern Territory, Darwin, Weed reef, 4 m, 11 May 1984, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3421, PA 12, Northern Territory, Smith reef, depth 3 - 5 m, 19 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3425, same data as NTM C 3421; NTM C 3451, NTM C 3454 PA 13, Northern Territory, Sandy Is., No. 2, depth 3 - 5 m, 20 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 5687 Northern Territory, Port Essington, Orontes reef, Sta. CP 77 depth 5 m, 16 September 1985, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3753, Sta. PA 22, Northern Territory, Orontes reef, 5 May 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 5684, Sta. CP 75, Northern Territory, Port Essington, Coral Bay, depth 3 m, 15 September 1985, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 4617, Northern Territory, Arafura Sea, New Year Island, 50 feet, 14 October 1982, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 3187 holotype is 10 cm high and 6.5 cm wide, the stalk is 4.5 cm long (Fig. 37 b). The polyps are up to 0.5 mm wide and high, and are grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in points (Fig. 32 d). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with spines, the largest present abaxially, up to 0.50 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 38 a). Adaxially there are no sclerites, only the tentacles have sclerites in this part of the polyp, small rods and scales, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 38 b). The polyp stalk next to the adaxial tentacles has some small almost smooth rods (Fig. 38 c). Supporting bundle sometimes slightly projecting for a maximum distance of 0.10 mm but mostly not projecting, composed of spindles, up to 0.70 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 38 d). The spindles that are projecting have a smooth tip (Fig. 32 d). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.10 mm long. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 38 e-f). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans (Fig. 38 g-h), 0.05 - 0.20 mm long. A few spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.30 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles. The spines of the unilaterally spinose sclerites are very long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long (Fig. 38 i-j), with pointed ends and simple tubercles (Fig. 38 k); several with one or two side branches. Branching occurs more often in the smaller spindles. Variability. Only a few specimens have projecting supporting bundle spindles: the holotype NTM C 3187, NTM C 3206, NTM C 3471, NTM C 3715, and NTM C 5472. NTM C 3213 (Figs. 37 a, 39) showed much smaller internal stalk spindles, only up to 0.50 mm long. Many specimens have opaque polyp sclerites, for instance NTM C 5651 (Figs. 32 f, 37 c), which also has rather small internal stalk spindles (Fig. 40 h), alike NTM C 3213.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the Northern Territory.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Northern Territory.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717230BFFE5FF358258FCE5FCA6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The small polyp stalk rods are often not visible, probably due to contraction of the polyps, which also makes it difficult to see whether the adaxial polyp sclerites are lacking. The polyp arrangement of NTM C 11170 is depicted as this specimen best shows the absence of adaxial point sclerites (Fig. 32 e). L. acutum sp. nov., L. obtusum sp. nov., and L. territoryensis sp. nov. all have unilaterally spinose sclerites with long spines. The differences are discussed with L. acutum.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFE5FF358607FA5CFAD2.taxon	description	(polyps with many scales)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	description	(Figs. 41 a, 42 a, 43 - 44)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4050, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 02236 - NTM C 2238, Queensland, Briggs reef, Bommie, surface, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2248, Queensland, Briggs-Sudbury reef, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2260 - NTM C 2261, Queensland, Masthead reef, 31 August 1974, coll. P. Alderslade;? NTM C 2939, Queensland, Orpheus island, Pioneer Bay, depth 10 - 15 m, coll. J. Coll; NTM C 10003, cf. alba; Queensland, Orpheus island, Pioneer Bay, coll. P. Alino.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4050 is 8 cm high and wide, the stalk is 1.5 cm high (Fig. 41 a). The polyps are up to 0.80 mm wide and 0.90 mm high, and grouped in long catkins. Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42 a). Abaxial point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 43 a), laterally and adaxially scales and rods are present, which are also present in the tentacles and polyp stalk (Fig. 43 b). Supporting bundle without projecting spindles or one projecting for a maximum distance of 0.10 mm. Spindles of the supporting bundle up to 1.40 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 43 c). Several polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.60 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 43 d). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.15 mm long. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.70 mm long (Fig. 43 e). The smaller sclerites have simple tubercles, the larger ones also complex tubercles. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.20 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 43 f-g) and simple tubercles (Fig. 43 h).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: John Brewer reef, Briggs-Sudbury reef,? Orpheus island.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172314FFEAFF3580D9FE1AFD45.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 2248 differs from the other material in colony shape (Fig. 41 b), probably the colony was dried out at some stage. The species mostly resembles L. snakeensis sp. nov., but differs in having more slender interior stalk spindles and many capstans and derivatives of capstans in the surface layer of the stalk. NTM C 2236 - NTM C 2238 were examined using temporary slides. NTM C 2939 and NTM C 10003 are included in this species, but with some doubts. They differ from the other specimens in having numerous rods in polyp stalk (Fig. 44 c) instead of scales. In this aspect these specimens resemble L. legiopolypum (see below). However, they lack the short branched spindles with rough tubercles in the base of the stalk of the colony (Fig. 44 h).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEAFF35862BFB3FF927.taxon	description	(Figs. 41 c-d, 42 b, 45 - 46)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEAFF35862BFB3FF927.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype AM G 14806, Great Barrier Reef, west tip of Palfrey Island, on reef slope, depth 4.5 - 6 m, rubble, sand and corals, 3 November 1975, coll. H. K. Larson no. DFH 75 - 254; RMNH 12438, part of holotype, 6 microscope slides; RMNH 14722, Australia, Lizard Island, 30 - 40 feet, 7 microscope slides; NTM C 200, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, off Cairns, December 1976, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 566 - 567, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 713 - 714, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 11054, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Elford reef, depth 6 m, 10 November 1989, coll. B. Bowden.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEAFF35862BFB3FF927.taxon	discussion	Remarks. For a description see Verseveldt & Alderslade (1982). Although these authors depicted a polyp with projecting supporting bundle, the current study indicates that this is not the case for all the polyps. Here I present SEM images of the sclerites of NTM C 11054 (Fig. 45) and the polyp armature of the holotype as given by Verseveldt & Alderslade (Fig. 42 b). Apparently the base of the holotype was missing, therefore other material shows different sclerites in this part of the colony; shorter spindles in the interior which may have side branches (Fig. 45 k). NTM C 713 and NTM C 714 (Figs. 41 c-d, 46) are somewhat different from the other material, the polyps have more spindles instead of scales (Fig. 46 b). The depicted stalk sclerites of NTM C 713 are sampled somewhat above the base of the colony, the presented interior stalk sclerites are less branched and somewhat longer (Fig. 46 j). The sclerites of these specimens resemble NTM C 2939 and NTM C 10003 of L. brewerensis (Fig. 44 h), but differ in the tuberculation of the interior stalk spindles, being much coarser in L. legiopolypum. The species should not be confused with L. mollis as that species has not so many internal stalk spindles with side branches, no projecting supporting bundles, and more spindles in the polyp body than L. legiopolypum.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	description	(Figs. 41 e, 42 c, 47 - 48)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4669, Northern Territory, Arafura Sea, Oxley Island, depth 5 m, 20 October 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 837, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 2283, no data; NTM C 3173, Northern Territory, Burford Island, PA 4, dry reef edge exposed, 13 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3177 - NTM C 3178, Northern Territory, Burford Island, PA 4, dry reef edge exposed, 14 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3180, Northern Territory, Van Diemen Gulf, Burford Island, 13 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3194, PA 5, Northern Territory, Van Diemen Gulf, Trepang Bay, depth 1 - 1.5 m, 14 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3225, Northern Territory, Trepang Bay, PA 6, 1.5 - 6 m; 15 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 03266, Northern Territory, Coral Bay, PA 8, exposed, 18 October 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 4591 - NTM C 4593, NTM C 4595 - NTM C 4596, Northern Territory, Arafura Sea, Oxley Island, reef flat, 19 October 1982, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 4655 Northern Territory, Arafura Sea, New Year Island, 15 - 20 feet, 13 October 1982, coll. P. Alderslade (crème and brown specimen).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4669 is 10 cm high and 14.5 cm wide, the stalk is 4 cm high (Fig. 41 e). The polyps are up to 0.90 mm wide and 0.60 mm high, and grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42 c). Abaxial point sclerites are spindles up to 0.35 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 47 a); a few are also present laterally (Fig. 47 b). Scales and rods, 0.03 - 0.10 mm long, are present adaxially but most occur laterally, and they are also present in the tentacles and polyp stalk (Fig. 47 c-d). Supporting bundle without projecting spindles or one projecting for a maximum distance of 0.10 mm, composed of spindles, up to 1.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 47 e). All polyp spindles have an optically black inner core (not indicated in drawing of polyp). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles (fig. 47 f). Capstans 0.10 - 0.15 mm long and spindles up to 0.70 mm long. All these sclerites have simple and complex tubercles and an optically black inner core. The unilaterally spinose sclerites have long spines. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spheroids, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 48 a-b). The spines of the spinose spheroids are very long. Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long and spindles up to 0.40 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles up to 1.00 mm long, some are branched, others have a slight median waist, and with pointed or blunt ends (Fig. 48 c-d). All spindles have simple tubercles (Fig. 48 e).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Northern Territory.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231BFFEBFF358386FB71FB76.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The permanent slides of the stalk of both specimens of NTM C 4655 did not show any interior stalk spindles. Extra temporary slides showed the shorter ones with blunt ends. NTM C 3173, NTM C 3177 - NTM C 3178, NTM C 3180, NTM C 3225, NTM C 03266 and the brown specimen of NTM C 4655 show no scales but rods in the polyp and few to none polyp stalk sclerites. As all other sclerites are similar I have included them in this species. They are included in the key of group IV as well.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	description	(Figs. 42 d, 49 a, 50)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 3949, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratype NTM C 4023, same data as holotype.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 3949 is 6.5 cm high and 6 cm wide, the stalk is 2 cm high (Fig. 49 a). The polyps are up to 0.80 mm wide and 0.95 mm high, and grouped in long catkins. Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42 d). Abaxial point sclerites are spindles, up to 0.40 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 50 a). Scales and rods, 0.03 - 0.12 mm long, are present laterally and adaxially, and they are also present in the tentacles and polyp stalk (Fig. 50 b-c). Supporting bundle without projecting spindles or one projecting for a maximum distance of 0.10 mm, composed of spindles, up to 1.00 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 51 d). Several polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 50 e-f). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 50 g-h). The spindles are up to 0.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.00 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 50 k), and pointed ends (Fig. 50 i-j).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin simplex, simple, referring to the simple tuberculation of the sclerites of this species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231AFFEBFF358060FD70F849.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The species resembles L. nigrescens (Roxas, 1933) (Ternate) (Figs. 51, 56 a) but differs in having much coarser, sparse tuberculation in the stalk sclerites.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	description	(Figs. 49 b, 42 e, 52 - 53)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 10439, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Snake reef, depth 10 - 12 m, 14 December 1990, coll. J. Jan; paratypes: NTM C 3988, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 26 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4011, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4340, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Myrmidon reef, depth 0 - 5 m; 7 January 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 10439 is 12 cm high and 12.5 cm wide, the stalk is 3.5 cm high (Fig. 49 b). The polyps are up to 0.80 mm high and 0.50 mm wide, and grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42 e). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 52 a), adaxial scales and rods are present, which are also present in the tentacles (Fig. 52 b-c). Several of these scales and rods have a crystalline texture. Supporting bundle with spindles, up to 1.40 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 52 d), and not projecting beyond the polyp head. Several polyp sclerites have an optically black inner core. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 52 e). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, the smaller sclerites with simple tubercles, the larger ones also with complex tubercles (Fig. 53 a-b). The capstans and derivatives of capstans are 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, the spindles are up to 0.60 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.5 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 53 e), and pointed ends; several branched (Fig. 53 c-d).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Snake reef, Rib reef, Davies reef, Myrmidon reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717231EFF95FF35825CFE12FDD2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The big interior spindles and many unilateral spinose spindles in the surface of the base of the stalk are characteristic for the species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	description	(Figs. 49 c, 42 f, 54 - 55)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4136, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	description	Description. The holotype NTM C 4136 is 10 cm high and 6.5 cm wide, the stalk is 3 cm high (Fig. 49 c). The polyps are up to 1.2 mm high and 0.8 mm wide, and grouped in long catkins. Polyps. Without clear arrangement of sclerites (Fig. 42 f). Abaxial and point sclerites are spindles up to 0.50 mm long, with dense simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 54 a), laterally they are smaller and less tuberculate (Fig. 54 b). Adaxial scales and rods are present, which are also present in the tentacles and polyp stalk (Fig. 54 c). Supporting bundle composed of spindles, up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 54 d). The supporting bundles spindles have an optically black inner core (not shown in drawing of polyp). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.50 mm long, with dense simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 54 e). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with dense simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 55 a-b). The capstans and derivatives of capstans are 0.05 - 0.15 mm long, the spindles are up to 0.40 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 0.7 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 55 e), and pointed ends; several are branched (Fig. 55 c-d).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin squamatum, scaly, referring to the many big scales in the polyps of this species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF95FF3587DBFABFFA72.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The species resembles L. oxleyensis sp. nov., but differs by its interior spindles having pointed ends.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF96FF35837BFDA3FE46.taxon	description	(polyp stalk without small rods)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172364FF96FF35837BFDA3FE46.taxon	discussion	Remarks. As the polyps of L. oxleyensis mostly have scales it also fits group III, where it was described. L. compactum (Verseveldt, 1966), described from Indonesia, falls in this group (Figs. 42 g-h, 56 b, 57). It has similar tuberculated interior stalk sclerites as L. carnatum but they are only about 1 mm long in L. compactum. It differs from L. pandoraensis by having the tuberculation of the interior stalk sclerites much finer, and from L. grandis, which has much stronger developed point sclerites. L. elongatum (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate, Indonesia) resembles L. compactum but because of a large amount of detritus attached to the colony the polyp sclerite arrangement could not be drawn. However, the colony and sclerites are presented (Fig. 56 c, 58). The most obvious difference is the presence of long rods (Fig. 58 d), which are not from the polyp stalk but are polyp spindles. L. pyramidalis (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate, Indonesia) (Figs. 56 d, 59) shows sclerites similar to those of L. elongatum and therefore I here synonymize it with L. elongatum (Kükenthal, 1895). Especially the smooth spindles from the interior of the top of the stalk are strikingly similar in both species (Figs. 58 g, 59 h). The polyp sclerite arrangement of L. pyramidalis could be drawn (Fig. 59 a).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	description	(Figs. 56 e, 60 a, 61 a, 62 - 65)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4100, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 6 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratype NTM C 3947, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 9 January 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 4100 holotype is 6.5 cm high and 14 cm wide (Fig. 56 e). The stalk is 1.5 cm long. The polyps are up to 0.9 mm wide and 1.1 mm high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With a relatively regular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 61 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines, largest spindles present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 62 a), laterally they are up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 62 b). In the adaxial points there are small rods and curved scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 62 c-d). Spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 1 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles, and spines, more numerous at one end; spindles not projecting beyond the polyp (Fig. 62 e). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.5 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 62 f). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 63 ab). Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.6 mm long. All sclerites with simple and complex tubercles. Interior stalk. Robust spindles, up to 1.5 mm long, with pointed or blunt ends (Fig. 63 c) and simple tubercles (Fig. 63 e). The smaller ones are often branched (Fig. 63 d).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin carnatum, fat, corpulent, fleshy, refers to the very fat interior stalk spindles.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF3585F4FABDFC41.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Paratype NTM C 3947 (Fig. 60 a) has even longer internal stalk spindles (Fig. 65 a), up to 2 mm long. Also several polyps have the supporting bundle projecting beyond the polyp body for a distance up to 0.30 mm.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF358153FDF0F897.taxon	description	(Figs. 60 b, 61 b, 66)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF358153FDF0F897.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 5419, RH 87 - 6, Western Australia, Cape Leveque, sandy beach, LWS, 18 March 1987, coll. R. Hanley.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF358153FDF0F897.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 5419 holotype is 11 cm high and 11.5 cm wide (Fig. 60 b). The stalk is 3.5 cm long. The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.6 mm high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With no arrangement of sclerites as points (Fig. 61 b). Abaxial and lateral sclerites are spindles unilaterally ornamented with many big spines, largest spindles present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 66 a); laterally there also are some simple spindles (Fig. 66 b). The adaxial sclerites are small curved scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 66 c). Spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles, and not projecting beyond the polyp (Fig. 66 d). Surface layer top stalk. Mostly capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; a few spindles (not depicted) and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.3 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 66 e-f). Surface layer base stalk. Mostly capstans and derivatives of capstans (Fig. 66 g-h), a few spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present (not depicted). Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.4 mm long. All sclerites with simple tubercles. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 0.75 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 66 i-j) and simple tubercles (Fig. 66 k).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF358153FDF0F897.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin grandis, great, large, grown, strong, refers to the strongly developed polyp sclerites.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF98FF358153FDF0F897.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western Australia.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	description	(Figs. 60 c-d, 61 c, 67 - 68)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4053, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Pandora reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 28 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 3945, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Pandora reef, depth 5 - 9 m, 28 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 3970, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Pandora reef, depth 1 - 4 m, 28 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4070, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 15 - 21 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 4053 holotype is 8 cm high and 7.5 cm wide (Fig. 60 c). The stalk is 2.5 cm long. The polyps are up to 0.6 mm wide and 0.5 mm high, grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 61 c). Abaxial point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines, largest spindles up to 0.50 mm long (Fig. 67 a). Laterally and adaxially the polyp sclerites are rods, up to 0.30 mm long, with small prickles on their surface (Fig. 67 b). The tentacles have scales and rods up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 67 c). Spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 0.75 mm long, with simple tubercles and spines, more numerous at one end; spindles not projecting beyond the polyp (Fig. 67 d). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 0.5 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 67 e). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 67 f). Capstans 0.10 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.35 mm long. Sclerites with simple and complex tubercles. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 67 g) and complex tubercles (Fig. 67 i). The smaller ones are often branched (fig. 67 h).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Pandora reef, Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172369FF99FF35821DFDAEFC5F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 3945 (Fig. 60 d) does not show the point spindles lacking tuberculation. It also lacks the radiates and derivatives of radiates of the surface layer of the base of the stalk (Fig. 68). Probably the very base of the colony is missing. The species mostly resembles specimens of L. oxleyensis sp. nov. lacking scales (see remarks after key) but differs in lacking interior spindles with blunt ends.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	description	(Figs. 69 a-c, 70 a-c, 71 - 75)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4154, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 1373, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Swain reefs, Sweet-lip reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1380 - NTM C 1385, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sanctuary reef, 13 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1473 - 1474, Queensland, Sanctuary reef, 13 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3967, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981; NTM C 4139, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4179, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4283, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 5 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	description	Description. The NTM C 4154 holotype is 12 cm high and 9 cm wide (Fig. 69 a). The colony consists of two main stalks fused at the base, one 4 cm long, the other 5 cm long. The polyps are up to 0.8 mm wide and 1 mm high, mostly with expanded tentacles, and grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 70 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with spines, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 71 a), laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 71 b). In the adaxial points there are small curved scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 71 c). Straight small rods are very abundant on the adaxial side of the polyp stalk, up to 0.05 mm long, many of them with enlarged ends (Fig. 71 d). Spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 71 e), and not projecting beyond the polyp or only slightly so. Surface layer top stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.10 mm long; spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.7 mm long. The smaller sclerites with simple tubercles (Fig. 71 f), the larger ones with complex tubercles (Fig. 71 g). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, and unilaterally spinose spheroids (Figs. 71 h, 72 a), and a few spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles (not depicted). Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.70 mm long. The smaller sclerites with simple tubercles (Fig. 72 a), the larger ones with complex tubercles (Fig. 71 h) Interior stalk. Spindles, many with side branches (Fig. 72 c), up to 2 mm long with pointed ends and prickly complex tubercles (Fig. 72 d). Smaller spindles are flattened with less tubercles (fig. 72 b).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin brachiatum, branched, branchiate, refers to the branched interior stalk spindles.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Queensland, Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef, Dip reef, John Brewer reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717236EFF83FF3586CEFC85F8E8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The microscope slides of NTM C 1373, NTM C 1473 (Figs. 69 b, 70 b), and NTM C 4139, and the SEM images of the latter two (Figs. 73 - 74) showed less branched interior stalk spindles. Extra temporary slides of the interior stalk of NTM C 1473 and NTM C 4139 showed them. NTM C 1473 shows some supporting bundle spindles with smooth tip (Fig. 73 e) NTM C 1380 - NTM C 1385 were checked with temporary slides only. NTM C 4179 (Fig. 69 c) is with some doubts included in this species. The sclerites of the interior of the base of the stalk did not show a single branched spindle (Fig. 75 i), extra temporary slides also did not show them. Furthermore, no clear view of the arrangement of the polyp sclerites could be achieved (Fig. 70 c). Notably, its sclerites (Fig. 75) are not different from the other specimens belonging to this species; especially the polyp rods with enlarged ends are strikingly similar (Fig. 75 d). L. bayeri (Verseveldt, 1966) from the Moluccas, Indonesia, (Figs. 69 d; 70 d) resembles this species. It has similar shaped polyp sclerites (Fig. 76 a-c) but far fewer polyp stalk rods (Fig. 76 d). The surface stalk sclerites are also different (Fig. 76 f-g), mostly spindles and unilaterally spine spindles. Also the interior stalk sclerites differ (Fig. 76 h-j), but this could have been caused by the missing basal part of the stalk of L. bayeri. L. debilis (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate) (Figs. 69 e, 77) resembles this species even more, but differs by having much smaller interior stalk spindles, only up to 1 mm long (Fig. 77 l).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	description	(Figs. 69 f, 70 e-f, 78 - 79)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 3171, Northern Territory, Burford Is, PA 4, dry reef edge exposed, 13 October 1981, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 3172, NTM C 3174, same data as holotype.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 7.5 cm high and 10.5 cm wide (Fig. 69 f). The stalk is 3 cm long, and divides in three main stems. The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and 0.9 mm high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 70 e). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with spines, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long (Fig. 78 a), laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 78 b). In the adaxial points there are curved rods and scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 78 c). Straight rods and ovals are present on the adaxial side of the polyp stalk, these rods are up to 0.05 mm long (Fig. 78 d-e). One or two supporting bundle spindles projecting beyond the polyp head for a distance up to 0.20 mm. The spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 1.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 78 f); some with one smooth end. Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are present, up to 0.70 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 78 g-h). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles (not depicted), and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 78 i). Capstans 0.10 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.70 mm long, all with simple and complex tubercles. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.10 mm long, with pointed and blunt ends (Fig. 78 k) and complex tubercles (Fig. 78 l); a few branched. Smaller spindles have less tubercles (Fig. 78 j).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Northern Territory, Burford Island.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	materials_examined	Variability. NTM C 3174 has much more developed polyp sclerites, even some club-like (Figs. 70 f, 79 a, e) and the adaxial side of the polyp stalk has scales next to the rods and ovals (Fig. 79 d). Although the large polyp sclerites suggest this specimen actually represents another species only one specimen with these characters was present and therefore I decided to include it in L. burfordensis till more material can be examined.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF87FF3585F4FBE0FA2B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The species resembles L. capnelliformis (Thomson & Dean, 1931), from Timor, Indonesia, regarding the internal stalk spindles with blunt ends (Fig. 82 g-h). However, L. capnelliformis lacks unilaterally spinose sclerites in the stalk (Fig. 82 e-f) and ovals in the polyp stalk (Fig. 82 a). Noteworthy, the polyp sclerite arrangement of L. capnelliformis is not clear due to a large amount of detritus present in the polyps. Therefore, the one polyp drawn (Fig. 82 a) could have rods in the adaxial side as other polyps do, the rods are possibly just hidden in between the detritus. The species also resembles L. oxleyensis sp. nov., but that species has many scales in the polyp head or no rods in the polyp stalk. Moreover, L. oxleyensis has less developed point sclerites and more tuberculated surface stalk sclerites. However, I don’t exclude the possibility that these differences represent intraspecific variation. Pending examination of more material L. oxleyensis and L. burfordensis are maintained as different species.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF8BFF35808CFDBAF8DE.taxon	description	(Figs. 80 a, 81)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF8BFF35808CFDBAF8DE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. NHMW C 2370 (material from Godeffroy museum, not as type in collection, but from Port Denison and the species mentioned by Kükenthal as being stored in the Natural History Museum Vienna).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF8BFF35808CFDBAF8DE.taxon	description	Re-description. The holotype is 11.5 cm high and 6.5 cm wide (Fig. 80 a). The stalk is 2.5 cm long. The polyps are up to 0.5 mm wide and high, mostly with expanded tentacles, and grouped in spherical catkins. Polyps. With arrangement of sclerites in abaxial and lateral points only (Fig. 81 a-b). Abaxial and lateral sclerites are spindles with sparsely distributed blunt spines, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 81 c). The adaxial sclerites are small curved scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 81 d). Straight small rods, up to 0.10 mm long, are present on the adaxial side of the polyp stalk (Fig. 81 e). Spindles of the supporting bundle are up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles, and not projecting beyond the polyp (Fig. 81 f). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.15 mm long (Fig. 81 g); a few spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.3 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 81 h). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, and a few spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig. 81 j). Capstans 0.10 - 0.15 mm long and spindles up to about 0.30 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with pointed or blunt ends and simple tubercles; few with a side branch (Fig. 81 i, k-l )).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF8BFF35808CFDBAF8DE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western Australia: Port Denison.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172376FF8BFF35808CFDBAF8DE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The species resembles L. capnelliformis (Thomson & Dean, 1931), from Timor, Indonesia (Fig. 80 b), regarding the internal stalk spindles with blunt ends (Fig. 82 g). However, that species lacks unilaterally spinose sclerites (Fig. 82 f). Noteworthy, the polyp sclerite arrangement of L. capnelliformis is not clear due to a large amount of detritus present in the polyps. Therefore, the one polyp drawn (Fig. 82 a) could have rods in the adaxial side, the rods are possibly just hidden beneath the detritus.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	description	(Figs. 70 g, 80 c, 83 - 84)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 1155, Queensland, Darley reef, December 1979, coll. P. Alderslade; paratype NTM C 1154, same data as holotype.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 10.5 cm high and 9 cm wide, the stalk is 4 cm long (Fig. 80 c). 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. 70 g). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles; abaxially up to 0.35 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 83 a); 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. 83 b). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.08 mm long (Fig. 83 c). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles up to 1.5 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 83 d). 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. 83 h, 84 a). 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. 84 d); many with one or more side branches (Fig. 83 g, 84 b-c).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the type locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Darley reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB3FF3585F4FB6AFCCE.taxon	discussion	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.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	description	(Figs. 80 d-e, 85 a-b; 86 - 88)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4128, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 4123, same data as holotype; NTM C 4147, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 15 - 20 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4386, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 15 - 20 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 10456 GBR 1; Great Barrier Reef, Cockburn reef, 12 December 1990, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 8 cm high and 8.5 cm wide, the stalk is 1.5 cm long (Fig. 80 d). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 85 a). Abaxially and lateral point sclerites are spindles; abaxially up to 0.40 mm long, with spines and a few distal leaves (Fig. 86 a); laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long, with spines. Adaxially there are small, bent rods (Fig. 86 b), up to 0.10 mm long. The tentacles have rods and scales (Fig. 86 c-d). The polyp stalk has a few straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (not depicted). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 0.70 mm long, with simple tubercles and distally some spines (Fig. 86 e). Surface layer top stalk. Derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.15 mm long; spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.50 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 86 f-g). The unilaterally spinose sclerites have long spines. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, mostly with simple tubercles (Fig. 86 h-i). The spines of the spinose sclerites are very long. Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.40 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 87 b) and simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 87 c); especially the smaller spindles with one or more side branches (Fig. 87 a).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin folium, leaf, refers to the leafy point spindles.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Davies reef, Cockburn reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172342FFB6FF3586A5FB6EF81A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 4147, NTM C 4386, and NTM C 10456 (Fig. 80 e) have slightly less developed polyp sclerites, seldom with distal leafy appearance (Fig. 88). The surface stalk sclerites of the base of NTM C 10456 are less spiny (Fig. 88 h) and the internal stalk sclerites are shorter and less branched (Fig. 88 j). Sclerite sampling of NTM C 10456 was done somewhat above the base of the stalk, causing these differences. L. debilis (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate) (Figs. 69 e, 77) resembles this species but has the larger interior stalk spindles also with side branches. The species also resembles L. darleyensis sp. nov. but has more developed point sclerites, more unilaterally spinose sclerites and shorter interior stalk spindles. In group V also L. sanctuaryensis sp. nov and L. verrucosum sp. nov. have unilaterally spinose sclerites with long spines. L. sanctuaryensis differs in having much more robust interior stalk sclerites and the smaller ones are less branched. L. verrucosum also has more robust interior stalk sclerites, which are not branched.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	description	(Figs. 85 c, 89 a, 90 - 91)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4366, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, depth 10 - 13 m, 7 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratype; NTM C 4075, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 5 - 11 m, 27 May 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 8 cm high and 11 cm wide, the stalk is very short, almost immediately above the base the colony divides in two stems baring the branches (Fig. 89 a). The polyps are up to 0.8 mm wide and high, they are grouped in long catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 85 c). Abaxially and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines, abaxially up to 0.50 mm long, laterally up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 90 a). Adaxially there are small, curved rods and scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 90 b). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 90 c). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 1.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and one spiny end (Fig. 90 d). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, up to 1.50 mm long, mostly with complex tubercles (Fig. 90 e-f). Surface layer base stalk. A few capstans and derivatives of capstans (not depicted) but mostly spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 90 g, 91 a-b). Capstans 0.10 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 1.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 2 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 91 e), with pointed ends; many with side branches (Fig. 91 c-d).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin fuses, spool, spindle, refers to the many spindles in the surface layer of the base of the stalk.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: John Brewer reef, Rib reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172349FFB9FF358399FB64FC7B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The paratype has also big interior stalk spindles, but they have no side branches, apparently the base of the stalk is missing. The species resembles L. snakeensis sp. nov. regarding the many spindles in the surface layer of the base of the stalk, but that species has many scales in the polyps. It resembles L. brachiatum sp. nov. regarding the interior stalk spindles with side branches and the polyp sclerites, but differs from that species in having only a few radiates and derivatives of radiates in the surface layer of the stalk, and no unilaterally spinose spheroids at all.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	description	(Figs. 85 d, 89 b, 92 - 93)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 2256, Queensland, Horseshoe reef, Bommie Top, 11 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 1366 - 68, 1370, 1379, Queensland, Swain reef, Sweet-lip reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1392 - 95, Queensland, Bills reef, 8 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1396, Queensland; Central reef, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2255; Queensland, Horseshoe reef, Bommie Top, 11 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3992, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 7.5 cm high and 4.5 cm wide, the stalk is 1.5 cm long (Fig. 89 b). The polyps are up to 0.6 mm wide and 0.5 high, grouped in spherical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 85 d). Abaxially and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines; abaxially up to 0.50 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 92 a-b). Adaxially there are small, curved scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 92 c). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 92 d). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 1.80 mm long, with simple tubercles and one spiny end (Fig. 92 e). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 92 f-g). Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.60 mm long. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, thorny derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Figs. 92 h, 93 a). Capstans 0.05 - 0.15 mm long; spindles up to about 0.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 93 c), and simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 93 b). The smaller spindles often have side branches (Fig. 93 b).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the holotype locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Horseshoe reef, Sweet-lip reef, Bills reef, Central reef, Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172348FFB9FF358173FD27F86F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 1379 has somewhat longer internal stalk spindles, up to 1.20 mm long. L. horseshoeensis resembles L. debilis (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate) (Figs. 69 e, 77), but has many thorny derivatives of capstans in the surface of the base of the stalk.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717234BFFA2FF35830FFB8EF8A4.taxon	description	(Figs. 89 c-d, 94 - 96)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717234BFFA2FF35830FFB8EF8A4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype BM 1934.3.28.51; NTM C 88 - NTM C 89, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Erskin Is., depth 1 m, 4 April 1977, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 266, broken up colony, Queensland, Broadhurst reef, March 1976, coll. G. Coll; NTM C 798, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 1386, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sanctuary reef, 13 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1475 - NTM C 1481, Queensland, Central Reef, depth 2 / 3 m, 5 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2241 - NTM C 2243, Queensland, Masthead reef, 27 October 1974, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2244, Queensland, Moore reef, Bommie, surface, March 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2258, Queensland, Northwest Island, depth 7 m, 10 October 1978, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2262; Queensland, Northwest Island, depth 7 m, 10 October 1978; coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2829, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4000, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Rib reef, depth 10 - 15 m, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 05390, cf. albida, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Darley reef, 25 November 1982, coll. G. König; NTM C 10463, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Cockburn reef, 10 December 1990, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717234BFFA2FF35830FFB8EF8A4.taxon	description	Re-description. The holotype is 11.5 cm high and 10 cm wide, the stalk is 3 cm long (Fig. 89 c). The polyps are up to 0.8 mm wide and high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 94 a). Abaxial and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines, largest present abaxially, up to 0.40 mm long, laterally they are up to 0.15 mm long (Fig. 94 b). Adaxially there are small scales, similar to those of the tentacles, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 94 c). These small rods also are present on the adaxial side of the polyp stalk. Supporting bundle not projecting, composed of spindles, up to 0.50 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 94 d). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans and derivatives of capstans, 0.05 - 0.10 mm long; spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles are also present, up to 0.35 mm long, with simple tubercles (Fig. 94 e). Towards the interior a few slightly stouter spindles occur (Fig. 94 f). Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles (Fig 94 g). Capstans 0.05 - 0.10 mm long; spindles up to about 0.30 mm long. Towards the interior these sclerite types become slightly bigger with less dense tuberculation (Fig. 94 h). Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 0.75 mm long, with pointed ends and simple and complex tubercles and some irregular, branched forms (Fig. 94 i-j).	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717234BFFA2FF35830FFB8EF8A4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Erskin Island, Broadhurst reef, Sanctuary reef, Central Reef, Masthead reef, Moore reef, Northwest Island, Rib reef, Darley reef, Cockburn reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717234BFFA2FF35830FFB8EF8A4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The differences from L. legiopolypum (Verseveldt & Alderslade, 1982) are small. L. mollis has fewer rods in the polyps and the internal stalk spindles are less branched. L. amboinensis (Burchardt, 1898) from Ambon (Indonesia) (Fig. 97 a) also resembles L. mollis but has overall more tuberculated sclerites, polyp spindles are more spiny, and interior base spindles are smaller. (Fig. 98). NTM C 2262 (Fig. 89 d) has been used for producing SEM images of the sclerites (Figs. 95 - 96). NTM C 1386, NTM C 1475 - NTM C 1481 were checked with temporary slides only.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	description	(Figs. 85 e-f, 97 b-c, 99 - 102)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 1387, Queensland, Central reef, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 1388 - 89, same data as holotype; NTM C 1464 - 65, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sweet-lip, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1472, Queensland, Sanctuary reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 2293 - 95, Queensland, Swain reefs, Blue-Lion reef, 8 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 3984, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4032, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4383, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, reef flat, 8 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 10459, Great Barrier Reef, Cockburn reef, 10 December 1990, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 7.5 cm high and 6.5 cm wide, the stalk is 3 cm long (Fig. 97 b). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With irregular arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 85 e). Abaxially and lateral point sclerites are spindles with simple tubercles and spines, abaxially up to 0.45 mm long (Fig. 99 a). Laterally they are up to 0.25 mm long (Fig. 99 b). Adaxially there are small, curved rods and scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 99 c). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 99 d). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 1 mm long, with simple tubercles and one spiny end (Fig. 99 e). Surface layer top stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 99 f-g). The spines of the spinose sclerites are very long. Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.50 mm long. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 99 h, 100 a). The spines of the spinose sclerites are very long. Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.50 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.3 mm long, with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 100 d). These spindles are unbranched, branched, or with side branches. The spindles have pointed ends, one pointed and one blunt end or two blunt ends (Fig. 100 b-c). Especially the smaller spindles are heavily branched.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after a paratype locality, Sanctuary reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Sanctuary reef, Blue-Lion reef, Davies reef, Sweet-lip reef, John Brewer reef, Cockburn reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB7172354FFA9FF35801EFD89F84B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. NTM C 4383 (Fig. 97 c) showed some ovals in the polyp stalk (Fig. 101 d), similar to L. burfordensis sp. nov. (Northern Territory) and L. mollis (Macfadyen, 1936). L. burfordensis differs in having many rather smooth spindles in the interior of the base of the stalk. L. mollis in having only pointed spindles in the interior of the base of the stalk and less developed point sclerites. Both have many more ovals in the polyp stalk than NTM C 4383. NTM C 1464 has different interior stalk sclerites, more like those of L. swainensis sp. nov. (see below) but the colony is only a few cm high with hardly any stalk and therefore is included here together with NTM C 1465 from the same collection effort. L. debilis (Kükenthal, 1895) (Ternate) (Figs. 69 e, 77) resembles this species but has the larger interior stalk spindles also with side branches. In group V also L. folium sp. nov and L. verrucosum sp. nov. have sclerites with long spines. For the differences between the three species see L. folium.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	description	(Figs. 85 g, 97 d, 103)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 1371, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sweet-lip reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; paratypes: NTM C 651, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 652, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 1372, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sanctuary reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade; NTM C 1374 - 1376, 1378, Queensland, Swain reefs, Sweet-lip reef, 15 November 1980, coll. P. Alderslade.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 4 cm high and 4.5 cm wide, the stalk is 1.5 cm long (Fig. 97 d). The polyps are up to 0.6 mm wide and high, they are grouped in spherical catkins. Polyps. With a relatively good arrangement of sclerites in eight points (Fig. 85 g). Abaxially and laterally point sclerites are spindles; abaxially up to 0.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and spines (Fig. 103 a). Laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 103 b). Adaxially there are small, curved scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 103 c). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 103 d). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 1.30 mm long, with simple tubercles and one spiny end (Fig. 103 e). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 103 f-g). A few capstans and derivatives of capstans are also present (not depicted), also with simple and complex tubercles. Capstans 0.10 - 0.15 mm long; spindles up to about 0.35 mm long. Surface layer base stalk. Capstans, derivatives of capstans, spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles (Fig. 103 h-i). Capstans 0.05 - 0.20 mm long; spindles up to about 0.20 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1.1 mm long (Fig. 103 j-k), with pointed ends and simple tubercles (Fig. 103 l). Unfortunately the SEM images showed shorter spindles than the microscope slide.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the holotype locality.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Sanctuary reef, Sweet-lip reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235AFFADFF35831EFB5CFD7E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The species resembles L. folium sp. nov. but has finer spines on the surface sclerites and finer tuberculation on the interior stalk sclerites, which are also slightly longer. Moreover, L. folium sp. nov. has many smaller branched interior stalk sclerites (Fig. 87 a), whereas they are seldom branched in L. swainensis.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	description	(Figs. 85 h, 97 e-f, 104 - 106)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype NTM C 4071, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 9 January 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; paratypes: NTM C 346, February 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 436; Queensland, Moore reef, Bommie, depth 3 - 13 m, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 764, March 1978, coll. D. Schubot; NTM C 3978, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders Cay, depth 20 - 25 m, 25 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4052, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4073, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 5 - 10 m, 16 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4145, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Davies reef, depth 10 - 15 m, 15 April 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4226, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders Cay, depth 5 - 10 m, 25 September 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4258, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Flinders reef, Sth., depth 5 - 10 m, 21 November 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 4282; Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Dip reef, depth 1 - 5 m, 5 February 1981, coll. Z. Dinesen; NTM C 5304, cf. cupressiformis, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, John Brewer reef, back reef zone, depth 3 m, 8 October 1985, coll. H. Lasker.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	description	Description. The holotype is 4 cm high and 5 cm wide, the stalk is 1.5 cm long (Fig. 97 e). The polyps are up to 0.7 mm wide and high, grouped in conical catkins. Polyps. With virtually no arrangement of sclerites as points (Fig. 85 h). Abaxially the polyp sclerites are unilaterally spinose spindles up to 0.50 mm long, with simple tubercles and spines (Fig. 104 a). Laterally they are up to 0.20 mm long (Fig. 104 b). Adaxially there are rods and small curved scales, up to 0.10 mm long, similar to those of the tentacles (Fig. 104 c). The polyp stalk has straight rods, up to 0.10 mm long (Fig. 104 d). Supporting bundle not projecting or slightly so, composed of spindles, up to 0.80 mm long, with simple or complex tubercles and one spiny end (Fig. 104 e). Surface layer top stalk. Spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with simple and complex tubercles and tall complex spines (Fig. 104 f). A few capstans and derivatives of capstans are also present (not depicted). Capstans 0.10 - 0.15 mm long; spindles up to about 0.60 mm long. Surface layer base stalk. Spindles, and unilaterally spinose spindles, all with complex tubercles and tall complex spines (Fig. 105 a). A few capstans and derivatives of capstans are also present (not depicted). Capstans 0.10 - 0.25 mm long; spindles up to about 0.70 mm long. Interior stalk. Spindles, up to 1 mm long, with pointed ends (Fig. 105 b-c) and simple and complex complex tubercles (Fig. 105 d)	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The Latin verrucosum, warty, rough, rugged, refers to the internal stalk spindles with well-spaced coarse tubercles.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Great Barrier Reef: Dip reef, Moore reef, Flinders Cay, Davies reef.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
03BCB717235CFFAEFF358678FD89F879.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The capstans and derivatives of capstans were present in small numbers and therefore not captured with the SEM images of the surface layer of the stalk. The species resembles L. acutum sp. nov. with regards to the surface stalk sclerites. However, L. acutum has the adaxial side of polyps without sclerites, different tentacular sclerites and spiny capstan derivatives in the surface of the stalk base. NTM C 3978 (Figs. 97 f, 106) has unusual many polyp stalk rods resembling L. brachiatum sp. nov. but lacks the big interior stalk spindles with side branches of that species. In group V also L. folium sp. nov and L. sanctuaryensis sp. nov. have sclerites with long spines. For the differences between the three species see L. folium.	en	Van Ofwegen, Leen P. (2020): The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia. Zootaxa 4764 (1): 1-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4764.1.1
