Melithaea philippinensis (Wright & Studer, 1889) Melitodes philippinensis Wright & Studer, 1889: 176–177, pl. 40, figs. 10, 10A, 10B (Philippines). Opinion: There is no evidence that this species occurs in the region. Justification: These Indian records seem to be either invalid or unconfirmable: Thomson & Simpson, 1909: 172–173, pl. 5, figs. 2&4; pl. 9, fig. 12 (Andamans). Literature analysis: Originally named Melitodes philippinensis, the description given by Wright & Studer (1889) is too inadequate to be able to identify the species they had, and the same can be said of the account by Thomson & Simpson (1909). Additionally, it is virtually impossible to find any common features when comparing the sclerite figures in these two publications. Rao & Devi (2003) and Kumar et al. (2019) just listed the species as occurring in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with absolutely no evidence. In the paper by Kumar et al, “ Acabaria phiippinenesis (Wright & Studer) ” is given as the only synonym.

Published as part of Ramvilas, Ghosh, Alderslade, Philip & Ranjeet, Kutty, 2023, The taxonomy of Indian gorgonians: an assessment of the descriptive records of gorgonians (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) recorded as occurring in the territorial waters of India, along with neighbouring regions and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the highlighting of perceived unethical practice, pp. 1-124 in Zootaxa 5236 (1) on page 31, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5236.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7639327