Scrupocaberea maderensis

Material examined. MMF 44297, 44312, 32 º 38 ’ 03.34 ’’ N; 16 º 56 ’ 04.05 ’’ W, 11 m, August 2013, on rock samples. Remarks. This species was originally described from a poorly preserved specimen from Madeira (Busk 1860) and later figured from another better-preserved specimen also from Madeira (Busk 1861). Recently Vieira et al. (2014) transferred the species to the new genus Scrupocaberea, based on the presence of a well-chitinized operculum, a toothed rim on the distal edge of ovicellate zooids, and the presence of paired axillary vibracula. The species was considered to be widespread in tropical and subtropical waters (Harmer 1926; Tilbrook 2006), but according to Vieira et al. (2014) several of these records represent a species complex that includes at least two more species; additional study, including molecular, is required for confirmation. The specimens found during the present study correspond to previous descriptions and to the new data given by Vieira et al. (2014). Our study is the first account using SEM images of new specimens of Scrupocaberea maderensis from Madeira.