Ramipora hochstetteri Toula, 1875 (Bryozoa, Cystoporata), from the Permian of Svalbard

This review of the goniocladiid genus Ramipora Toula is based on zoarial morphology. The diagnosis of Ramipora is emended and the type species R. hochstetteri Toula from the Upper Permian of Svalbard is redescribed. Anastomosing secondary branches forming a fenestrated meshwork is the significant feature discriminating Ramipora from other goniocladiids. Descriptions are based on new material collected from the type horizon (Kapp Starostin Formation, Akseløya) and elsewhere in the Svalbard Archipelago, and also on Toula's type specimen. Goniocladiella Nekhoroshev and Aetomacladia Bretnall are herein designated junior synonyms of Ramipora. Some species previously assigned to Ramipora are transferred to Ramiporidra.