title: A new genus of soft coral (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) from the Republic of Congo (Pointe-Noire Region).
abstract: A new genus of soft coral from the Republic of Congo is described, Complexum gen. n. Nine West African octocoral species previously described in the genus Alcyonium by Tixier-Durivault (1955) are referred to this new genus, and a new species is described and figured, Complexumpusillum sp. n. The new species is characterized by having encrusting growth form and abundant spiny clubs in the surface of the polyparium. It colonizes shallow calcareous rocky banks (5 to 20 m depth) existing in coastal water of the region of Pointe-Noire. Based on molecular phylogeny this new genus is well separated from Alcyonium species.
authors.affiliation: Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, NL-2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Leen P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Van Ofwegen
authors.affiliation: Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263, 13397, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aurelle
authors.affiliation: IFREMER, Z.P. de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne-sur-mer Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sartoretto
keywords: Alcyonacea; Alcyoniidea; Alcyonium; Cnidaria; Coelenterata; Complexum; Octocorallia; Republic of Congo; new genus; new species