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Case 3885

Overview

Case 3885: Priapus giganteus Forsskål, 1775 (currently Stichodactyla gigantea; Cnidaria, Actiniaria): proposed conservation of prevailing usage of the specific name by designation of a non-topotypic neotype for Priapus giganteus

Status of Case:Open Cases
Date Published:12/2024
Authors: Rodríguez, E., Titus, B. M., Lauretta, D.
Volume and Issue:81/
Pagination:80-93
Keywords: Nomenclature; taxonomy; misattribution of name; neotype; Anthozoa; Actiniaria; Stichodactylidae; Stichodactyla; Stichodactyla gigantea; Stichodactyla haddoni; Stichodactyla mertensii; giant carpet anemone; Haddon’s carpet anemone; Mertens’ carpet anemone;
Taxonomic Group(s): Cnidaria
Abstract:

The purpose of this application, under Article 75.6 of the ICZN Code, is to conserve the widely used specific name of the clownfish-hosting sea anemone Priapus giganteus Forsskål, 1775 (currently Stichodactyla gigantea), originally described from the Red Sea, in its current usage. This nominal species of sea anemone is commonly cited in the scientific literature on ecology, behavior, evolution, mutualism and taxonomy, and is among the most recognizable species in the group outside the scientific realm, e.g., in tourism and the ornamental aquarium trade. Current usage of the name S. gigantea is based on Dunn’s 1981 misattribution of Forsskål’s name to a different species that was later shown not to occur in the Red Sea (S. gigantea’s type locality). Recently, the incompatibility between the current usage of the name S. gigantea and its original meaning was pointed out, and the name S. gigantea has been used to refer to a different species than the one Dunn fixed the name to in 1981. In the interest of the stability and universality of nomenclature, we request that the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature use its plenary power to set aside all previous type fixations for the nominal species Priapus giganteus Forsskål, 1775 and designate a neotype from elsewhere than the Red Sea that corresponds to the current usage of S. gigantea, i.e., sensu Dunn.

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