• Homoscleromorpha Bergquist, P.R. 1978. Sponges. London : Hutchinson 268 pp. 12 pls 81 figs 15 tables. [33].
• Homosclerophorides Lévi, C. 1973. Systématique de la classe des Demospongiaria (Démosponges). pp. 577-631 in Brien, P., Lévi, C., Sarà, M., Tuzet, O. & Vacelet, J. (eds). Traité de Zoologie, Anatomie, Systématique, Biologie. III. Spongiaires. (Series ed. P.-P. Grassé). Paris : Masson et Cie. [591] [invalid name; Lévi (1973) used the name 'Homosclerophorides' to encompas what we now call Homoscleromorpha, but the name is 'imperfect', undifferentiated from Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, and hence Bergquist (1978) is presently credited with the subclass, now class Homoscleromorpha].

Diagnosis

Porifera with cinctoblastula larvae and viviparous reproduction; skeleton composed of tetraxonid siliceous spicules and derivatives with equal rays (diods, triods, lophate spicules), arranged around choanocyte chambers reflecting the canal structure; no differentiation between megascleres and microscleres although size differences do occur between types of spicules; spicules usually small (100µm or less), not localised to any particular region; choanocyte chambers with large numbers of choanocytes. There are <100 described species of exclusively marine sponges worldwide, traditionally subdivided into 7 genera based on morphological characters.

ID Keys

(1) Homoscleromorpha containing species with spicules .............................. Plakinidae Schulze, 1880 (genera Plakina, Plakortis, Plakinastrella and Corticium, Plakinolopha)
–. Homoscleromorpha containing species lacking spicules .............................. Oscarellidae Lendenfeld, 1887 (genera Oscarella and Pseudocorticium)

Diagnosis References

Gazave, E., Lapébie, P., Renard, E., Vacelet, J., Rocher, C., Ereskovsky, A.V., Lavrov, D.V. & Borchiellini, C. 2010. Molecular Phylogeny Restores the Supra-Generic Subdivision of Homoscleromorph Sponges (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha). PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science) 5(12): 1-15 [e14290] [2]

General References

Bergquist, P.R. 1978. Sponges. London : Hutchinson 268 pp. 12 pls 81 figs 15 tables.

Brien, P., Lévi, C., Sarà, M., Tuzet, O. & Vacelet, J. 1973. Spongiaires. pp. 1-716 485 figs in Grassé, P.P. (ed.). Traité de Zoologie. Anatomie, Systématique, Biologie. Paris : Masson et Cie Vol. 3(1).

Dendy, A. 1905. Report on the sponges collected by Professor Herdman, at Ceylon, in 1902. 57-246 pls 1-16 in Herdman, W.A. (ed.). Report to the Government of Ceylon on the Pearl Oyster Fisheries of the Gulf of Manaar. London : Royal Society Vol. 3 Suppl. 18. [64]

Gazave, E., Lapébie, P., Renard, E., Vacelet, J., Rocher, C., Ereskovsky, A.V., Lavrov, D.V. & Borchiellini, C. 2010. Molecular Phylogeny Restores the Supra-Generic Subdivision of Homoscleromorph Sponges (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha). PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science) 5(12): 1-15 [e14290] [e14290] (http://www.marinespecies.org/porifera/porifera.php?p=taxdetails&id=131587 (on 2011-12-28))

Hooper, J.N.A., van Soest, R.W.M. & Pisera, A. 2011. Phylum Porifera Grant, 1826. In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness. Zootaxa 3148: 13-18 [13]

Hooper, J.N.A. & van Soest, R.W.M. 2002. Class Demospongiae Sollas, 1885. pp. 15-18 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.

History of changes

Introduction

Scope
The order Homosclerophorida (= Microsclerophora Sollas, 1887) was originally created with three families, Plakinidae, Corticidae, and Thrombidae (Sollas 1888; Dendy 1905), with the latter moved to the Astrophorida Demospongiae. Placinidae Topsent, 1890d is a misspelling of Plakinidae. Two families Plakinidae and Oscarellidae were subsequently recognized, then merged into Plakinidae (Solé-Cava et al. 1992; Diaz & Van Soest 1994; Boury-Esnauly et al. 1995; Muricy et al. 1996a; Muricy 1999), and more recently split again into Plakinidae (with spicules) and Oscarellidae (without spicules), based on substantial molecular and histological evidence (Gazave et al. 2010).

Over 12 nominal genera have been included in these families, but only seven are considered to be valid and now included: Plakortis Schulze, 1880, Plakinastrella Schulze, 1880, Plakina Schulze, 1880, Placinolopha Topsent, 1897a, Corticium Schmidt, 1862, Oscarella Vosmaer, 1887 and Pseudocorticium Boury-Esnault et al., 1995. The two genera placed in incertae sedis — Corticellopsis and Astroplakina — are excluded based on the clear astrophorid nature of their spiculation. Less than 100 species of sponges from these genera have been published worldwide of which only about 80 are considered valid. The number of species described in the literature is clearly geographically biased towards areas that have been better studied such as the Mediterranean, the West Pacific and the Caribbean. It is expected than when the least studied biogeographic regions are surveyed for this group the species numbers will increase considerably. Species of various genera such as Oscarella, Plakina, Plakortis and Corticium with relatively simple morphologies are found in distinct biogeographic regions (e.g. Plakortis spp. in the Caribbean and in the West Pacific), and several species are considered cosmopolitan (e.g. Oscarella lobularis, Plakortis simplex, Plakina monolopha). Such disjunct populations, although morphologically similar, are expected to be reproductively isolated and to have diverged genetically enough in time to deserve a status of distinct species.

Taxonomy
A generic classification of the Plakinidae and Oscarellidae is centered around four principal diagnostic features: presence/absence of siliceous skeleton (Plakinidae vs. Oscarellidae); presence/absence of a cortex associated with the architecture of the aquiferous system and type of choanocyte chambers; number of spicule size classes; and presence and type of ramifications in the actines of calthrops, with at least three distinct general morphologies recognized: small homolophose calthrops (Plakina); large lophodiods, lophotriods and lophocalthrops (Placinolopha); and small heterolophose calthrops (Corticium).

Database Notes

Synonymy.
Order: Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905: 64. Microsclerophora Sollas, 1887 (in part).
Family: Plakinidae Schulze, 1880: 447. Corticiidae Vosmaer, 1887: 324. Placinidae Topsent, 1890d: 231.
Family Oscarellidae Lendenfeld, 1887a: 582.

Diagnosis

Homoscleromorpha with flagellated exo- and endopinacocytes, a basement membrane lining both choanoderm and pinacoderm, oval to spherical choanocyte chambers with a sylleibid-like or leuconoid organization, and a unique incubated cinctoblastula type larvae; spicules, when present, are peculiar tetractines (calthrops) and derivatives through reduction (diods and triods) or through ramification of one to all four actines (lophose calthrops).

ID Keys

KEY TO GENERA
(1) With inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Without inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

(2) Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods, and/or calthrops in one size class --------------------------------------- 3
Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods and/or calthrops with a large size variation --------------------------------- 5

(3) Lophose diods, triods, or calthrops complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules ----------------------- 4
Lophose spicules absent, diactinal “microscleres” (microrhabs) present in some species---------------------Plakortis

(4) Heterolophose calthrops (candelabra) complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules, which might be absent or rare; choanocyte chambers usually aphodal---------------------------------------------------------- Corticium
Lophocalthrops with one to four homogeneously ramified actines complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules; candelabra absent; choanocyte chambers usually eurypylous ----------------------------------------- Plakina

(5) Skeleton composed of non-lophose diods, triods and/or calthrops in three size classes ---------- Plakinastrella
Skeleton formed by diods, triods, and/or calthrops with large size variation; the larger spicular category presents terminally-branching rays---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Placinolopha

(6) With sylleibid-like aquiferous system and eurypylous choanocyte chambers; ectosome thin, proportion of mesohyl to chambers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oscarella
With leuconoid aquiferous system and diplodal choanocyte chambers; ectosome thick, proportion of mesohyl
to chambers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pseudocorticium

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [71]

General References

Gazave, E., Lapébie, P., Renard, E., Vacelet, J., Rocher, C., Ereskovsky, A.V., Lavrov, D.V. & Borchiellini, C. 2010. Molecular Phylogeny Restores the Supra-Generic Subdivision of Homoscleromorph Sponges (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha). PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science) 5(12): 1-15 [e14290] [1]

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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.

History of changes

Introduction

Oscarellidae are Homoscleromorpha that lack any siliceous spicules or spongin fibres, having only collagenous fibrillar spongin in the mesohyl. Oscarella also differs from most other demosponges in having the external pinocoderm ciliated, and the choanocyte chambers which are spherical to ellipsoidal in shape, connect with the inhalant canal system via tiny channels (prosodi) and with the exhalant canals either directly via pores (apopyles) or via channels (aphodi).

Oscarellidae Lendenfeld, 1887 are reviewed in Lendenfeld (1903), Brien et al. (1973), Bergquist (1978), and Hartman (1982). Revisions of the family have been made by Diaz & Van Soest (1994) and Muricy & Diaz (2002).

ID Keys

KEY TO GENERA (of families Plakinidae and Oscarellidae)
(1) With inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
–.Without inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

(2) Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods, and/or calthrops in one size class ------------------------------ 3
–.Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods and/or calthrops with a large size variation ------------------------ 5

(3) Lophose diods, triods, or calthrops complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules ----------------------- 4
–.Lophose spicules absent, diactinal "microscleres" (microrhabs) present in some species---------Plakortis

(4) Heterolophose calthrops (candelabra) complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules, which might be absent or rare; choanocyte chambers usually aphodal------------------Corticium
–.Lophocalthrops with one to four homogeneously ramified actines complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules; candelabra absent; choanocyte chambers usually eurypylous ----------Plakina

(5) Skeleton composed of non-lophose diods, triods and/or calthrops in three size classes ------Plakinastrella
–.Skeleton formed by diods, triods, and/or calthrops with large size variation; the larger spicular category presents terminally-branching rays-----------------------------------------Placinolopha

(6) With sylleibid-like aquiferous system and eurypylous choanocyte chambers; ectosome thin, proportion of mesohyl to chambers ------------------------------------------- Oscarella
–.With leuconoid aquiferous system and diplodal choanocyte chambers; ectosome thick, proportion of mesohyl to chambers ----------------------------------------Pseudocorticium

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [71]

General References

Bergquist, P.R. 1978. Sponges. London : Hutchinson 268 pp. 12 pls 81 figs 15 tables.

Brien, P., Lévi, C., Sarà, M., Tuzet, O. & Vacelet, J. 1973. Spongiaires. pp. 1-716 485 figs in Grassé, P.P. (ed.). Traité de Zoologie. Anatomie, Systématique, Biologie. Paris : Masson et Cie Vol. 3(1).

Diaz, M.C. & van Soest, R.W.M. 1994. The Plakinidae: a systematic review. pp. 93-109 in van Soest, R.W.M., van Kempen, T.M.G. & Braekman, J.-C. (eds). Sponges in Time and Space. Rotterdam : Balkema.

Hartman, W.D. 1982. Porifera. pp. 640-666 in Parker, S.P. (ed.). Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms. New York : McGraw-Hill Vol. 1.

Lendenfeld, R. von 1903. Tetraxonia. In Schulze, F.E. (ed.) Das Tierreich. Berlin : Friedländer Lf 19 168 pp. 44 figs.

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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.

History of changes

• Oscaria Vosmaer, G.C.J. 1881. Ueber Leucandra aspersa, H. Nebst allgemeinen Bemerkungen ueber das Canalsystem der Spongien. Tijdschrift der Nederlandsche Dierkundige Vereeniging 5: 144-166 pls 3, 4 [163] [junior homonym of Oscaria Gray, 1873 (Reptilia)].

  Type species:

   Halisarca lobularis Schmidt, 1862 by monotypy.
• Oscarella Vosmaer, G.C.J. 1884. Porifera. In Bronn, H.G. Die Klassen und Ordnungen des Thierreichs 2: 65-176 pls 3, 7-13 [326] [nom. nov. for Oscaria Vosmaer, 1881].

Distribution

States

Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, N Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and Antarctic Ocean.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Northwest Province (4), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41), Central Western Transition (5)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Oscarellidae without skeleton, with thinly encrusting to lobate shape. Thin ectosome (<100um), often nearly limited to the pinacoderm, true cortex absent. Mesohyl ill-developed, with a proportion of mesohyl to chambers varying from 0.5 : 1 to 1.2 : 1. The aquiferous system has a sylleibid-like organisation, with spherical, eurypylous choanocyte chambers uniformly arranged around large, regular exhalant canals, and a large basal exhalant cavity (after Boury-Esnault et al. 1995).

ID Keys

See Family Diagnoses for Oscarellidae and Plakinidae .

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [77]

General References

Vosmaer, G.C.J. 1887. Porifera. In Bronn, H.G. Die Klassen und Ordnungen des Thierreichs 2: i-xii 1-496 pls 1-34 [326]

History of changes

• Haliscarca lobularis Schmidt, E.O. 1862. Die Spongien des Adriatischen Meeres. Leipzig : Engelmann 88 pp. 7 pls. [80].

  Type data:

   
  Status unknown, MJG fragments only (not found), Sibenik, Yugoslavia (as Sebenico); BMNH 1867.7.26.101 dry; BMNH 1867.7.26.7 wet.

  Secondary source:

   Wiedenmayer, F. 1977. Shallow-water Sponges of the Western Bahamas. Basel : Birkhäuser (Experientia Suppl. 28) 287 pp. 43 pls. [259].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr.; Wilhelm II Coast, also Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, N Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean.

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 0–459 m, on shaded rock substrates, caves, shallow water.

History of changes

• Oscarella membranacea Hentschel, E. 1909. Tetraxonida. 347-402 pls 22-23 1. Teil. in Michaelsen, W. & Hartmeyer, R. (eds). Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens. Jena : G. Fischer Vol. 2 (21). [349].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMH, 0.5–3.5 m, exit of South Passage, Shark Bay, WA [25°30'S 113°30'E].

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 0.5–3.5 m.

History of changes

• Oscarella tenuis Hentschel, E. 1909. Tetraxonida. 347-402 pls 22-23 1. Teil. in Michaelsen, W. & Hartmeyer, R. (eds). Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens. Jena : G. Fischer Vol. 2 (21). [351].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMH, 3 m, SW of Denham, Shark Bay, WA [25°54'S 113°32'3]; ZMB 4254 wet fragment of type, 3 m, SW of Denham, Shark Bay, WA [25°54'S 113°32'3].

Distribution

States

Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Shark Bay, and Penguin Channel.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Northwest Province (4), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41), Central Western Transition (5)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 3–28 m, encrusting on shells, Bryozoa.

History of changes

Introduction

Plakinidae Schulze, 1880 have encrusting growth forms. The body structure is simple, with the aquiferous system varying from simple asconoid construction to more complex folding and elaborate canal systems. The mineral skeleton consists of di-, tri- or tetractinal spicules (Hooper & Wiedenmayer 1994: figs 29–31), often with branched ends (lophotetractines; Hooper & Wiedenmayer 1994: figs 32, 33); Embryos are incubated and the larvae are amphiblastulae.

Ten nominal genera are known in this family, of which probably only five are valid, and four of which described so far for Australia. Species in this family are known from the Mediterranean, West Indian and Indo-Pacific regions (Hartman 1982).

Plakinidae Schulze, 1880 includes in synonymy Corticiidae Vosmaer, 1885, following Solé-Cava et al. (1992) and Maldonado (1993), and reviewed in Lendenfeld (1903), Brien et al. (1973), Bergquist (1978), and Hartman (1982). Revisions of the family have also been made by Diaz & Van Soest (1994)and Muricy & Diaz (2002), with recent additions to the Australian fauna by Muricy (2011).

Diagnosis

Thin to massive-encrusting Homoscleromorpha, with few species presenting tubular growth forms; surface usually smooth, sometimes wrinkled or convoluted. Skeleton, when present, is usually formed by a combination of small calthrops and/or derivatives through reduction (diods and triods), with rays of calthrops, diods, or triods multiple or complex branching. (lophodiods, lophotriods, and lophocalthrops). Two types of tetralophose calthrops are distinguished, those with all rays having a similar branching pattern (homolophose calthrops, typical but not exclusive of Plakina spp), and those in which one ray's branching pattern is different from the other three (heterolophose calthrops or candelabra, exclusive of Corticium spp). Spicules occur in one (most species) or two or more size classes (Plakinastrella and Placinolopha), and are generally arranged uniformly in the sponge body, surrounding the aquiferous system in a regular or more confusedly dispersed arrangement. Minute diactinal microscleres (Plakortis), and small lophocalthrops (Corticium, Plakina), may be found either dispersed on the sponge body, or concentrated at the surface.

ID Keys

KEY TO GENERA (of families Plakinidae and Oscarellidae)
(1) With inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
–. Without inorganic (spicular) skeletal complement --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

(2) Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods, and/or calthrops in one size class ------------------------------ 3
–. Skeleton mainly composed of diods, triods and/or calthrops with a large size variation ------------------------ 5

(3) Lophose diods, triods, or calthrops complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules ----------------------- 4
–. Lophose spicules absent, diactinal "microscleres" (microrhabs) present in some species--------Plakortis

(4) Heterolophose calthrops (candelabra) complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules, which might be absent or rare; choanocyte chambers usually aphodal-------------------Corticium
–. Lophocalthrops with one to four homogeneously ramified actines complement the main skeleton of non-lophose spicules; candelabra absent; choanocyte chambers usually eurypylous -----Plakina

(5) Skeleton composed of non-lophose diods, triods and/or calthrops in three size classes --Plakinastrella
–. Skeleton formed by diods, triods, and/or calthrops with large size variation; the larger spicular category presents terminally-branching rays----------------------------------------------Placinolopha

(6) With sylleibid-like aquiferous system and eurypylous choanocyte chambers; ectosome thin, proportion of mesohyl to chambers ------------------------------------------------------- Oscarella
–. With leuconoid aquiferous system and diplodal choanocyte chambers; ectosome thick, proportion of mesohyl to chambers -----------------------------------------------------Pseudocorticium

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [71]

General References

Bergquist, P.R. 1978. Sponges. London : Hutchinson 268 pp. 12 pls 81 figs 15 tables.

Brien, P., Lévi, C., Sarà, M., Tuzet, O. & Vacelet, J. 1973. Spongiaires. pp. 1-716 485 figs in Grassé, P.P. (ed.). Traité de Zoologie. Anatomie, Systématique, Biologie. Paris : Masson et Cie Vol. 3(1).

Diaz, M.C. & van Soest, R.W.M. 1994. The Plakinidae: a systematic review. pp. 93-109 in van Soest, R.W.M., van Kempen, T.M.G. & Braekman, J.-C. (eds). Sponges in Time and Space. Rotterdam : Balkema.

Hartman, W.D. 1982. Porifera. pp. 640-666 in Parker, S.P. (ed.). Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms. New York : McGraw-Hill Vol. 1.

Lage, A., Muricy, G., Ruiz, C. & Pérez, T. 2018. New sciaphilic plakinids (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha) from the Central-Western Pacific. Zootaxa 4466(1): 8-38

Lendenfeld, R. von 1903. Tetraxonia. In Schulze, F.E. (ed.) Das Tierreich. Berlin : Friedländer Lf 19 168 pp. 44 figs.

Maldonado, M. 1993. The taxonomic significance of the short-shafted mesotriaene reviewed by parsimony analysis: validation of Pachastrella ovisternata Lendf. (Demospongiae: Astrophorida). Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde 63(3): 129-148

Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [303]

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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.

Solé-Cava, A.M., Boury-Esnault, N., Vacelet, J. & Thorpe, J.P. 1992. Biochemical genetic divergence and systematics in sponges of the genera Corticium and Oscarella (Demospongiae: Homoscleromorpha) in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Biology, Berlin 113: 299-304

Vosmaer, G.C.J. 1887. Porifera. In Bronn, H.G. Die Klassen und Ordnungen des Thierreichs 2: i-xii 1-496 pls 1-34

History of changes

• Corticium Schmidt, E.O. 1862. Die Spongien des Adriatischen Meeres. Leipzig : Engelmann 88 pp. 7 pls. [42].

  Type species:

   Corticium candelabrum Schmidt, 1862 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Mediterranean Sea, West Indian region, N Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, W Pacific and Indo-Malayan region.

IMCRA

Timor Province (2), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Other Regions

Territory of Ashmore & Cartier Islands

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Thinly encrusting to cushion-shaped Plakinidae with a spiculation consisting almost exclusively of non-lophose calthrops in one size class and heterolophose calthrops (‘candelabra’; Fig. 2H). Homolophose calthrops may also be present (Fig. 2D), and nonlophose calthrops are absent in some species. Aquiferous system leuconoid, with aphodal choanocyte chambers, and about 300 choanocytes per chamber (Boury-Esnault et al., 1984). The species of this genus present variable but usually thick cortex (100– 300um), and a proportion of mesohyl to chambers of about 1 : 1 (Boury-Esnault et al. 1995).

ID Keys

See Family Plakinidae Diagnosis.

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [76]

General References

Hooper, J.N.A. & Wiedenmayer, F. 1994. Porifera. pp. 1–620 in Wells, A. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia Vol. 12 xiii 624 pp. [Date published 21/Nov/1994] [342] (in synonymy with Achinoe Gray, 1867)

Muricy, G., Sarmento, K., Lage, A., Almeida, A.C. & Fromont, J. 2021. Taxonomy of some Indian and Pacific oceans Corticium, with the description of three new species from Western Australia (Porifera: Homosclerophorida). Zootaxa 4981(1): 47-69

History of changes

• Corticium candelabrum Schmidt, E.O. 1862. Die Spongien des Adriatischen Meeres. Leipzig : Engelmann 88 pp. 7 pls. [42].

  Type data:

   Holotype MJG 15353 wet, Sibenik (as Sebenico), Yugoslavia [43°44'20"N 15°53'38"E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1867.3.11.68 slide (type status doubtful, 'Adriatic'); ZMB 6561 slide (type status doubtful).

  Secondary source:

   Desqueyroux-Faundez, R. & Stone, S.M. 1992. O. Schmidt Sponge Catalogue. An illustrated guide to the Graz Museum Collection, with notes on additional material. Geneva : Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle iv+190 pp. 49 pls. [10, 36] (re types).

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Satellite Reef, also West Indian Ocean, N Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, W Pacific Ocean and Indo-Malayan region.

IMCRA

Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth subtidal–54 m, on overhanging cliffs and in caves.

General References

Wiedenmayer, F. 1989. Demospongiae (Porifera) from northern Bass Strait (Shelf of Southern Australia). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 50(1): 1-242 [13]

History of changes

• Corticium furcatum Muricy, G., Sarmento, K., Lage, A., Almeida, A.C. & Fromont, J. 2021. Taxonomy of some Indian and Pacific oceans Corticium, with the description of three new species from Western Australia (Porifera: Homosclerophorida). Zootaxa 4981(1): 47-69 [54].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM 40585 5 fragments (5–7 m depth), Booker Rocks, Jurien Bay, Station JWAM12/Q5 [30˚20’42.6”S, 115˚02’15”E].

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Jurien Bay, WA

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Transition (30)

History of changes

• Corticium monolophum Muricy, G., Sarmento, K., Lage, A., Almeida, A.C. & Fromont, J. 2021. Taxonomy of some Indian and Pacific oceans Corticium, with the description of three new species from Western Australia (Porifera: Homosclerophorida). Zootaxa 4981(1): 47-69 [55].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM Z35907 (CSIRO RV “Southern Surveyor” Cruise SS0507 station SS0507/161, 95-105 m), Adele Island, Western Australia [14˚33’44”S,122˚55’06”E].
  Paratype(s) WAM Z40132 (5–7 m), Jurien Bay, Booker Rocks, Western Australia [30˚20’42.6”S, 115˚02’15”E]; WAM Z69786 (15 m), Ashmore Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia [12˚12’27.90”S, 123˚08’44.27”E]; WAM Z28519 (43–48 m), Mandu, Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia [22˚05’59”S, 113˚51’55”E].

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Jurien Bay, WA to Ashmore Reef, Timor Sea;

IMCRA

Timor Province (2), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30)

Other Regions

Territory of Ashmore & Cartier Islands

History of changes

• Corticium simplex Lendenfeld, R. von 1907. Die Tetraxonia. pp. 59–374 pls 9–46 in Chun, C. (ed.) Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition auf dem Dampfer Valdivia 1898–1899. Vol. 11. [338].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 3260 wet, 18 slides, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E]; ZMB 491 slide, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E]; ZMB 499 3 slides, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E]; BMNH 1908.9.24.101 wet fragment of type, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E]; BMNH 1908.2.9.210–212 slides 1/1, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Rottnest Island, WA to Cartier Reef, Timor Sea, and possibly Cape York, QLD; tropical, Indo-W Pacific (Indonesia)

IMCRA

Timor Province (2), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31)

Other Regions

Territory of Ashmore & Cartier Islands

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

General References

Fromont, J. 2003. Porifera (Sponges) in the Dampier Archipelago: Taxonomic affinities and biogeography. Proceedings of the Twelfth International Marine Biological Workshop. The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia. 405-417 pp. [409] (Listed in this article)

Nevalainen, T.J., Quinn, R.J. & Hooper, J.N.A. 2004. Phospholipase A2 in Porifera. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 137(B): 413-420 [415] (Listed in this article)

History of changes

• Corticium verticillatum Muricy, G., Sarmento, K., Lage, A., Almeida, A.C. & Fromont, J. 2021. Taxonomy of some Indian and Pacific oceans Corticium, with the description of three new species from Western Australia (Porifera: Homosclerophorida). Zootaxa 4981(1): 47-69 [58].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM Z40485 (8–13 m), Jurien Bay, W of Dry Lump [30˚07’18.6”S, 114˚56’31.8”E].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Jurien Bay, WA

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Transition (30)

History of changes

• Achinoe Gray, J.E. 1867. Notes on the arrangement of sponges, with the description of some new genera. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1867: 492-558 pls 27-28 [546].

  Type species:

   Achinoe australis Gray, 1867 by monotypy.
• Plakina Schulze, F.E. 1880. Untersuchungen über den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spongien. Neunte Mittheilung. Die Plakiniden. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 34: 407-451 pls 20-22 [407].

  Type species:

   Plakina monolopha Schulze, 1889 by subsequent designation, see Sollas, W.J. 1888. Report on the Tetractinellida collected by H.M.S. Challenger, during the years 1873–1876. Report on the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger 1873–1876, Zoology 25(63): clxvi 1-458 44 pls 1 map [cli].
• Plakoosa Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A comparison of the shallow water sponges near the Pacific end of the Panama Canal with those at the Caribbean end. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 83(2993): 441-466 [462].

  Type species:

   Plakoosa elisa de Laubenfels, 1936 by monotypy.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Topsent, E. 1937. Notes diverses sur des Eponges. Bulletin de l'Institut Océanographique Monaco 722: 1-15 [7]

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Amphi-Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Japan, New Zealand, Antarctic and Subantarctic.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Thinly to massively encrusting Plakinidae with a spiculation of diods, triods, and calthrops, and with homogeneously ramified lophocalthrops with one, two, three, or four lophate rays. Candelabra (heterolophose calthrops) absent. Lophocalthrops usually concentrated at the sponge surface and bordering canals. Development of the ectosome is variable, and subectosomal cavities may be present (e.g., P. trilopha Schulze, 1880). A large basal cavity is present in most species. Proportion of mesohyl to chambers varies from 0.7 to 1.8:1. Choanocyte chambers are eurypylous or aphodal, usually with a radial arrangement around incurrent and excurrent canals (called sylleibid-like arrangement, such as in P. monolopha, P. elisa).

ID Keys

See Family Plakinidae Diagnosis.

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [79]

History of changes

• Achinoe australis Gray, J.E. 1867. Notes on the arrangement of sponges, with the description of some new genera. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1867: 492-558 pls 27-28 [546] [based on Bowerbank, J.S. 1864. A Monograph of the British Spongiadae. London : Ray Society Vol. 1 290 pp. 37 pls. (235–236), single spicules only; possibly a composite species].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1877.5.21.622 (slide), Freemantle, WA [32°03'S 115°46'E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1877.5.21.622 slide.
• Placinolopha spinosa Kirkpatrick, R. 1900. Description of sponges from Funafuti. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 7 6: 345-362 pls 13-15 [350].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1900.10.19.8 wet + slides, 50–70 m, Funafuti Atoll, Funafati, Tuvalu, W Pacific [8°23'49"S 179°04'40"E].
• Corticium acanthastrum Thomas, P.A. 1968. Studies on Indian sponges–7. Additions to the genus Corticium Schmidt with notes on the distribution of Corticium candelabrum Schmidt. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India 10(2): 260-267 [260].

  Type data:

   Holotype CMFRI 147, 1.5 m, Palk Bay, India [9°23'56"N 79°42'03"E].
• Plakina acantholopha Thomas, P.A. 1971. Studies on Indian sponges –7. Two new records and a new species of the genus Plakina Schulze (Carnosida: Halinidae) from the Indian region. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India 12: 51-56 [53].

  Type data:

   Holotype CMFRI 147, 20.2.1967, Palk Bay, India [9°23'56"N 79°42'03"E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Hooper, J.N.A. in Hooper, J.N.A. & Wiedenmayer, F. 1994. Porifera. pp. 1-620 in Wells, A. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia Vol. 12 xiii 624 pp. [Date published 21/Nov/1994] [342]

Generic Combinations

• Corticium australis (Gray, 1867).

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Freemantle, (Indian Ocean), and also W Pacific.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31)

Ecological Descriptors

Unknown.

Extra Ecological Information

Unknown.

General References

Hooper, J.N.A. & Wiedenmayer, F. 1994. Porifera. pp. 1–620 in Wells, A. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia Vol. 12 xiii 624 pp. [Date published 21/Nov/1994] [342] (as Corticium australis (Gray))

History of changes

• Plakina monolopha Schulze, F.E. 1880. Untersuchungen über den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spongien. Neunte Mittheilung. Die Plakiniden. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 34: 407-451 pls 20-22 [407].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) (MJG?, ZMB?), Trieste, Lesina, Naples, (Mediterranean Sea).
• Plakina monolopha antarctica Lendenfeld, R. von 1907. Tetraxonia der Deutschen Südpolar-Expedition 1901–1903. In Drygalski, E. von (ed.) Deutsche Südpolar-Expedition 1901–1903 9(Zool. 1): 303–342 pls 21–25. [333].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 3501 wet, 350 m, 385 m, Gauss Winter Station, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 5062 2 slides, 350 m, 385 m, Gauss Winter Station, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 1908.9.24.99 wet fragment of type, 350 m, 385 m, Gauss Winter Station, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 1908.9.24.100 wet fragment of type, 350 m, 385 m, Gauss Winter Station, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 3 slides 1/3, 350 m, 385 m, Gauss Winter Station, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Wiedenmayer, F. in Hooper, J.N.A. & Wiedenmayer, F. 1994. Porifera. pp. 1-620 in Wells, A. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia Vol. 12 xiii 624 pp. [Date published 21/Nov/1994] [343]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr.; Mawson Coast, Enderby Land, Wilhelm II Coast, also Weddell Sea, Caribbean, S and NE Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Japan and New Zealand.

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 0–540 m.

History of changes

• Plakina trilopha Schulze, F.E. 1880. Untersuchungen über den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spongien. Neunte Mittheilung. Die Plakiniden. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 34: 407-451 pls 20-22 [427].

  Type data:

   Holotype MJG, Naples (Mediterranean Sea).
• Plakina trilopha antarctica Lendenfeld, R. von 1907. Tetraxonia der Deutschen Südpolar-Expedition 1901–1903. In Drygalski, E. von (ed.) Deutsche Südpolar-Expedition 1901–1903 9(Zool. 1): 303–342 pls 21–25. [326].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 3502 wet (40 specimens), 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 5061 slide, 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 6163 slide, 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Wiedenmayer, F. in Hooper, J.N.A. & Wiedenmayer, F. 1994. Porifera. pp. 1-620 in Wells, A. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia Vol. 12 xiii 624 pp. [Date published 21/Nov/1994] [343]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr., Heard Is.; Wilhelm II Coast, George V Coast, also Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, New Zealand, Weddell Sea and Subantarctic.

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 20–920 m.

History of changes

• Plakinastrella Schulze, F.E. 1880. Untersuchungen über den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spongien. Neunte Mittheilung. Die Plakiniden. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 34: 407-451 pls 20-22 [448].

  Type species:

   Plakinastrella copiosa Schulze, 1880 by monotypy.
• Dercitopsis Dendy, A. 1905. Report on the sponges collected by Professor Herdman, at Ceylon, in 1902. 57-246 pls 1-16 in Herdman, W.A. (ed.). Report to the Government of Ceylon on the Pearl Oyster Fisheries of the Gulf of Manaar. London : Royal Society Vol. 3 Suppl. 18. [65].

  Type species:

   Dercitopsis ceylonica Dendy, 1905 by monotypy.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Topsent, E. 1928. Spongiaires de l'Atlantique et de la Méditerranée provenant des croisières du Prince Albert Ier de Monaco. Résultats des Campagnes Scientifiques accomplies par le Prince Albert I. Monaco 74: 1-376 11 pls [33]
• Vacelet, J., Vasseur, P. & Lévi, C. 1976. Spongiaires de la pente externe des récifs coralliens de Tuléar (Sud-Ouest de Madagascar). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris [1936-1950] ns A 49: 1-116 78 figs pls 1-10 [14]

Distribution

States

Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Central Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and W Pacific Ocean.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Thinly to massively encrusting, sometimes lobate or tubular Plakinidae, usually tough in consistency and with surface smooth to the eye but rough to the touch. Subectosomal inhalant cavities present in some species; choanocyte chambers eurypylous or diplodal. Skeleton composed of non-lophose diods, triods, and/or calthrops with wide size variation, usually in three size classes. The small diactines are accumulated on the surface, either forming a palisade or disposed tangentially to the surface.

ID Keys

See Family Plakinidae Diagnosis

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [80]

History of changes

• Plakinastrella clathrata Kirkpatrick, R. 1900. Description of sponges from Funafuti. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 7 6: 345-362 pls 13-15 [350].

  Type data:

   Holotype Funafuti.

Distribution

States

Queensland

IMCRA

Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

General References

Yong, K.W.L., De Vos, J.J., Hooper, J.N.A. & Garson, M.J. 2011. Configurational assignment of cyclic peroxy metabolites provides an insight into their biosynthesis: Isolation of plakortolides, seco-plakortolides, and plakortones from the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata. Journal of Natural Products 74: 194–207 [Date published Jan. 24, 2011]

History of changes

• Plakinastrella mammillaris Lendenfeld, R. von 1907. Die Tetraxonia. pp. 59–374 pls 9–46 in Chun, C. (ed.) Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition auf dem Dampfer Valdivia 1898–1899. Vol. 11. [337].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMB 737 wet, 9 slides, Naturaliste Channel, WA [25°23'S 113°02'E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1908.2.9.207–209 slides 1/1.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Naturaliste Channel, Houtman Abrolhos.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

General References

Fromont, J. 1999. Demosponges of the Houtman Abrolhos. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 44: 175-184 [177] (Listed in this article)

History of changes

• Dercitopsis minor Dendy, A. 1916. Report on the Homosclerophora and Astrotetraxonida collected by H.M.S. Sealark in the Indian Ocean. In Reports of the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition to the Indian Ocean in 1905. Vol. 6. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London 2nd Series Zoology 17: 225-271 pls 44-48 [229].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1920.12.9.66 wet, 55 m, Cargados Carajos and 37–80 m, Amirante Ils, Indian Ocean [16°33'39"S 59°45'00"E and 6°55'37"S 52°06'03"E]; BMNH 1920.12.9.67 wet, 55 m, Cargados Carajos and 37–80 m, Amirante Ils, Indian Ocean [16°33'39"S 59°45'00"E and 6°55'37"S 52°06'03"E]; BMNH 9 slides 1/2 (7 specimens), 55 m, Cargados Carajos and 37–80 m, Amirante Ils, Indian Ocean [16°33'39"S 59°45'00"E and 6°55'37"S 52°06'03"E].

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Houtman Abrolhos, Indian Ocean.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 36–79 m.

General References

Fromont, J. 1999. Demosponges of the Houtman Abrolhos. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 44: 175-184 [177] (Listed in this article)

History of changes

• Plakortis Schulze, F.E. 1880. Untersuchungen über den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spongien. Neunte Mittheilung. Die Plakiniden. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 34: 407-451 pls 20-22.

  Type species:

   Plakortis simplex Schulze, 1880 by monotypy.

Distribution

IMCRA

Northeast Transition (19), Timor Province (2), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Diagnosis

Thinly to massively encrusting plakinids with a skeleton mainly formed by small (50–200µm) diods with triods in varying abundance. Deformed calthrops can be found in some specimens. Some species have microrhabds (5–20µm) distributed regularly in the sponge body. Aquiferous system intermediate between sylleibid-like and leuconoid, with eurypylous choanocyte chambers regularly distributed around exhalant canals. Both ectosomal inhalant cavities and basal exhalant cavities are usually present. Skeleton confused, dense, without ectosomal specialization or differential location of spicules.

ID Keys

Refer to family Plakinidae diagnosis

Diagnosis References

Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [303]

Muricy, G. & Diaz, M. C. 2002. Order Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905. Family Plakinidae Schulze, 1880. pp. 71-82 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. [81]

History of changes

• Plakortis bergquistae Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [9].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM G322579 wet, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Sulawesi Sea/ Makassar Strait, Indonesia [-11.97, 123.3633].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also Indonesia

IMCRA

Northwest Shelf Transition (26)

History of changes

• Plakortis communis Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [7].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM G301057, Cartier Island, Western Australia [-12.5367, 123.5317].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also Fiji, Philippines

IMCRA

Timor Province (2), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Northeast Shelf Province (40)

History of changes

• Plakortis fromontae Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [11].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM Z1280, Rat Island, Western Australia, Houtman Abrolhos [-28.7167, 113.7667].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Transition (30)

History of changes

• Plakortis hooperi Muricy, G. 2011. Diversity of Indo-Australian Plakortis (Demospongiae: Plakinidae), with description of four new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91(2): 303–319 [Date published 2011: dated 2010] [12].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM G312880 wet, SE Motupore Island, Round Hill Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea [-9.9517, 147.4817].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also southern Papua New Guinea

IMCRA

Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

History of changes

• Plakortis lita Laubenfels, M.W. de 1954. The sponges of the West-Central Pacific. Oregon State Monographs. Studies in Zoology 7: 1-306 pls 1-12 [247].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 23069, Moen Islet, Chuuk (Truk Atol), Caroline Island, Micronesia.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also Vanuatu, Fiji

IMCRA

Northeast Transition (19), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Plakortis quasiamphiaster Diaz, M.C. & van Soest, R.W.M. 1994. The Plakinidae: a systematic review. pp. 93-109 in van Soest, R.W.M., van Kempen, T.M.G. & Braekman, J.-C. (eds). Sponges in Time and Space. Rotterdam : Balkema. [107].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMA POR 7777, Vanuatu.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga

IMCRA

Northeast Transition (19)

Distribution References

History of changes