A new solitary coral genus of the suborder Heterocoeniina (Scleractinia) from the Aptian (Cretaceous) of Spain

The new scleractinian coral genusHexasmiliopsis is described on the basis of material from the Early Aptian (Early Cretaceous) of Murcia (Spain). The new genus of the Heterocoeniidae family is characterised by its solitary growth form, a very strong main septum and the presence of apophysal septa. It is closely related to the generaHexasmilia (phaceloid growth form),Rodinosmilia andTiarasmilia (both without main septum). The genus is monospecific and represents only the type species,Hexasmiliopsis saldanai.