PDF - Eprints@CMFRI

111
Material:
Gulf of Suez:
Gulf of Aqaba:
Northern R. S.:
T. Aviv NS
Jerus. SLR
T. Aviv NS
Basel
USNM
HLM
1912 (EtTur);8417 (Ras el Kanisa).
367- 1, 2 (Marsa Murach) ; 457 (EI Kura); 664 (Marsa Abu Zabad).
263,266,267, 268, 13 37-1,2 (Eilar); 1891, 3204,4848,4958, 4959,
4971,4989 (Dahab); 481 7,4833,4841, 4885 (Ras Arantur).
PW 73566, 569,576 (Eilar, 50-55 m) .
Wa
EC
53,54 (Ghardaqa).
482 (Ras Abu Suma); 432 (Safaga (lsl.); 67 ( Koseir, duplicate from
KLUNZINGER) ; 308 (Ras Abu Hagar).
Central R. S.: USNM
P. Sud.
Wa
Sa
55 (Dongonab).
23, 62 , 108 (Sanganeb R.).
HLM RM 81,82, 118 (Wi ngate R.).
X2 : 8-15 (Shaab Anbar).
Southern R. S.: HLM X2: 9- 23,13- 5 (Sarso Isl. ).
EC 396 (Massawa).
Distribution: Red Sea eastward to Fanning Isis. A wide-spread Indo-Pacific species.
Favia wisseli new species
(Plate 28, Figs. 1- 3)
One specimen collected during the 2 nd Xarifa Expedition does not fit into any of the species of Favia
known to the present au thors. Though there is only one specimen, its characters are very remarkable that
we are describing it under a new specific name.
Dec r ip t ion 0 f the hoi 0 t y p e: Corallum submassive , but very light. The entire surface with
endo- and exorhecal vesicles, so that the coral looks blistery as in Favia speciosa. The intercorallite walls,
though appearing fused, make holes when pressed, thus showing that the area is filled only with exothecal
vesicles and the fusion is not complete and the wall nor solid. Peritheca 1 to 2 mm thick. Corallites polygonal,
calices polygonal, the laner 15 to 17 mOl long and wide, 2 to 3 mOl deep. Calicular wall not elevated,
level. Total number of septa 24 to 32 , all septa almost equally exsert, exsert ends not arched.
Septa stop at the middle of the inrercorallite area or look like confluent from corallite to coraHite. The
edges of the septa remain in its entire length almost above the level of the thecal rim, in other words the
sepra are nor sloping. Septa thin, interseptal loculi double the thickness of septa. 12 to 15 septa extend
to the centre of the axial fossa and fuse to form a columella. Columella poorly developed . Septal edges
with 2 to 3 teeth at the upper half which are lacerated. At t he lower half the septal edges with minute
granulations similar to those on the sides. Asexual reproduction by marginal fission by fusion of twO
major septa from either side. Costae not visible.
Material :
Central R. S.: HLM X2: 8-24 (holotype, collected 7. 11.1 957, Shaab Anbar, inner reef,
6 m deep).
Rem ar k s: In the lightness of the corallum and in the excessive deposition of endothecal vesicles
the present species is similar to Favia speciosa. However, the nearly polygonal coraliites with highly
porous peritheca and non-development of costae are unlike to F. speciosa. The nature of septa is also
different. The thecal wall is not at all exsert in F. wisseli. It is unlikely that the present species is based
on an extreme variant of F. speciosa.
The species is named in memory of Klaus WISSEL, a member of the 2 nd X.rifa Expedition, who died
on 7. 11 . 1957 under water, while photographing corals at Shaab Anbar in the Red Sea.
Favia rotundata VERON , PICHON and WI)SMAN-BEST, 1977
(Pl ate 27, Figs. 10, 11)
Faviles rotu"data 1977, VERON, PICHON & WtJSMAN-BEST, 64; figs. 110-112. 436- 438 (Type locality:
Swain Reef. Great Barrier ReeO.