Remarks on rugose coral taxonomy

Precise taxonomy is possible only when specimens are thoroughly investigated and checked against well known types. This simple procedure is not always followed and as a result, credible data are often lacking.Accuracy: To match his interpretation of calice morphology, Schindewolf (1942, pl. 33, fig. 2a–d, text-fig. 89a–d) inaccurately oriented transverse sections of Pentamplexus simulator Schindewolf, 1940. His errors were in part corrected by Weyer and Ilina (1979), but they also misidentified the counter protoseptum. Re-orientation of the original and two new thin sections allows that genus to be transferred to the family Polycoeliidae de Fromentel, 1860.Manipulation: Schindewolf's (1942) manipulation of the data on Pentaphyllum De Koninck, 1872 and Cryptophyllum Carruthers, 1919 resulted in an incorrect diagnosis, which was followed by many students who introduced 49 species (Ilina, 1984). Despite its name and Schindewolf's (1942) description, the poorly preserved type of Pentaphyllum possesses six, instead of five, dominant septa in its calice.Lack of attention to detail: Biform morphology in the tabularium is not always recognized and is commonly incorrectly described, despite its importance as a factor in water distribution within the gastro-vascular cavity and its diagnostic value for taxonomy. Failure to recognize that feature can lead to incorrect classification up to the family level.