The Octocorallian genera Spongodes Lesson, Neospongodes Kükenthal and Stereonephthya Kükenthal

The type specimens of Spongodes celosia Lesson and of spicata Wright & Studer are redescribed. They are conspecific and must be called Stereonephthya celosia (Lesson). Most probably, Spongodes digitata Wright & Studer is also a Stereonephthya species. The validity of the genus Neospongodes Kükenthal is discussed. The species N. portoricensis must be transferred to the genus Stereonephthya, but the generic name Neospongodes must be maintained for N. atlantica Kükenthal. N. bahiensis Kükenthal is conspecific with N. atlantica.