Nomenclature and biology of Astrangia poculata (= A. danae, = A. astreiformis) (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)

The encrusting to ramose northern star coral, Astrangia poculata, is a common inhabitant of rocky shorelines, jetties, and pilings along the northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastlines of the United States. Despite its popularity as an experimental laboratory animal, there has been considerable confusion as to the number of species which may exist and the proper name(s) ofthe species. A reexamination ofmaterial from throughout this range confirms that there is only one species, the correct name of which is Astrangia poculata (Ellis & Solander, 1786). A neotype has been deposited in the National Museum of Natural History. The same neotype is also deposited as the type of A. michelinii Milne Edwards & Haime 1849, type species oi Astrangia.