On the identity ofAlcyonidium gelatinosum(Linnaeus, 1761) (Bryozoa: Ctenostomata)

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Abstract
A. gelatinosum (L.) is generally considered to be the very common large upright ctenostome bryozoan first described by Linnaeus (1767). However he had previously described (Linnaeus 1761) under the same name a quite different species which is an epiphyte of marine algae. The later description is therefore not valid. Confusion has arisen because Hincks (1880), under the Stricklandian code, did not recognize the earlier description as valid. Almost all subsequent authors have followed Hincks without apparently consulting the original descriptions. The problems connected with the name A. gelatinosum are discussed in some detail and a neotype is designated.