Genus Dactylospongia Bergquist, 1965
Distribution
States
Queensland
IMCRA
Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)
Other Regions
Coral Sea Islands Territory
Diagnosis
The type specimen of this genus consists of thin, elongate, anastomosing straps (Fig. 4G–H), with an unarmoured surface, bearing irregular, truncate conules. The only other known species, D. metachromia (de Laubenfels, 1954), forms a compact cushion (de Laubenfels 1954). The fibre skeleton is a dense network of solid, uncored, branching and interconnecting fibres, with no clear distinction between primary ascending and secondary connecting fibres (Fig. 4I) as typically seen in the Thorectidae, where primary fibres can be identified by their orientation to the surface, or the presence of a debris core. Conules are formed by a denser mass of fibres, that are smaller in diameter and more dichotomous or fascicular. The conules are separated by lacunae, covered over by the pinacoderm. This sponge is firm and only slightly compressible.
ID Keys
See Subfamily Thorectinae Diagnosis
Diagnosis References
Cook, S.D.C. & Bergquist, P.R. 2002. Family Thorectidae Bergquist, 1978. pp. 1028-1050 in Hooper, J.N.A. & van Soest, R.W.M. (eds). Systema Porifera: A guide to the classification of sponges. New York : Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers Vol. 1. [1037]
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-Mar-2018 | 15-Dec-2011 | MOVED | ||
| 29-Mar-2018 | 13-Apr-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |