Three species of intertidal sea anemones (Anthozoa: Actiniidae) from the tropical Pacific: Description of *Anthopleura buddemeieri*, n.sp., with remarks on *Anthopleura asiatica* and *Gyractis sesere*

Abstract

A new species of sea anemone, *Anthopleura buddemeieri* Fautin, is described from Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Occurring high in the intertidal zone, a typical individual has a column rich brown in color and marked with longitudinal rows of red spots. Occurring in the same habitat, at least in Papua New Guinea, is a sea anemone known in the tropical Indo-Pacific from Aden to Hawai'i, the valid name of which is *Gyractis sesere*. Some records of *Anthopleura asiatica* may refer to *A. buddemeieri* but some clearly do not; because the name appears to have been applied to more than one species, the original description lacks critical information, and no type material exists, the name *Antopleura asiatica* is considered a nomen dubium.