Pseudochrysogorgia bellona n. gen., n. sp.: a new genus and species of chrysogorgiid octocoral (Coelenterata, Anthozoa) from the Coral Sea

A new genus and species of deep-sea Chrysogorgiidae Verrill, 1883, Pseudochrysogorgia bellona n. gen. n. sp., is described from colonies collected in the Coral Sea, West of New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific Ocean). These specimens bear resemblance to the genera Chrysogorgia Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864 (dichotomously-subdivided branches arising from the main stem in a spiraling fashion; polyps characterized by ornamented sclerites) and Metallogorgia Versluys, 1902 (colony monopodial, hexagonal branching pattern). Additional material collected North of New Zealand (Otara Seamount) is used to complete the description of this new genus. Its taxonomic rank is discussed in light of morphology- and DNA-based phylogenetic inference and analysis of genetic distances among deep-sea chrysogorgiid genera.