Comments on the nomenclatural status and validity of several family-series nomina in Actiniaria (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)

Abstract

The nomenclatural status of several family-series nomina is discussed. In a recently published catalogue of sea anemones, a large family Sagartiidae was treated as invalid and no solution was provided, all sagartiid genera being listed as incertae sedis. In the present work, a solution concerning this family is proposed, and in consequence the nomen Sagartiidae is considered valid. The valid generic nomen for the species previously assigned to Sagartia is Cylista, and a type species is designated for this genus. The nomen Minyadidae is invalid. The nomina Oractiidae and Hormathiidae are valid. The latter is younger than Chondractiniidae but is deemed to be its senior synonym. The nomen Adamsidae is a senior synonym of Hormathiidae but is rejected in the present work as a nomen oblitum. The nomen Halcuriidae is valid. It is younger than Endocoelactinidae but is deemed to be its senior synonym. The nomen Flosmarinidae is senior synonym of Isophelliidae and must be used as valid instead of the currently accepted Isophelliidae.