Schizoretepora Hassi Sp Nov (Bryozoa : Phidoloporidae) From Lebanon (Eastern Mediterranean) And Reappraisal Of Schizotheca Serratimargo (Hincks, 1886)

Schizoretepora hassi sp. nov., one of the most frequent bryozoans in shaded rocky habitats sampled along the coasts of Lebanon between 3 and 36 in depth, is described here. Its status as steno-endemic in the Levantine basin versus successful Erythraean immigrant is unresolved. Colonies erect and typically with a distinct abfrontal surface occupied by kenozooids, are variable in shape, from ramose with dichotomic branching to reteporiform. The great similarity of its autozooids, and avicularia with those of the bilaminate Schizotheca serratimargo argues for classing the latter in the genus Schizoretepora.