Family LEUCETTIDAE De Laubenfels, 1936

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Introduction

Sponges in the family Leucettidae de Laubenfels, 1936 have solitary, cup-shaped, pear-shaped, stalked and subspherical growth forms, or they are encrusting, massive and lobate. The ectosomal cortex is generally weak, although developed to a greater or lesser extent in some species, and triradiate (Hooper & Wiedenmayer 1994: fig. 147) and quadriradiate spicules (Hooper & Wiedenmayer 1994: fig. 158) are scattered throughout the choanosome, forming three-dimensional polyhedral patterns. Choanocyte chambers are always spherical (or subspherical), and scattered within the choanosome (Hartman 1982).

The abbreviated diagnosis of the family given by Borojevic et al. (1990) includes sponges with a solid body; aquiferous system always leuconoid; choanosomal skeleton well developed and in the form of a regular network of triradiates and/or quadriradiates; and cortex thin and composed of spicules similar to those in the choanosomal skeleton.

The family includes two genera and one incertae sedis (Leucomalthe), with wide distributions in the world's seas. Two are represented in the Australian fauna. They are found in littoral habitats and to depths of at least 220 m (Hartman 1982).

The family is reviewed in Borojevic (1968; as 'fam. n.', in Calcinea with included genera: Leucetta sensu novo and Pericharax), Hartman (1982) and Borojevic et al. (1990).

Database Notes

2004

Now 3 genera instead of 2 (added Leucomalthe)

Diagnosis

Clathrinida with a solid body. The aquiferous system is always leuconoid. The choanoskeleton is well developed, in the form of a regular network composed of triactines and/or tetractines. The cortex is thin and composed of spicules similar to those of the choanoskeleton.

ID Keys

See Order Clathrinida Diagnosis

Diagnosis References

Borojevic, R., Boury-Esnault, N., Manuel, M. & Vacelet, J. 2002. Order Clathrinida Hartman, 1958. pp. 1141-1152 in Hooper, J.N.A. & Soest, R.W.M. Van (eds). Systema Porifera. A guide to the classification of sponges. New York : Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers Vol. 2. [1151]

General References

Borojevic, R. 1968. Eponges calcaires des côtes de France. IV. Le genre Ascaltis Haeckel emend. Archives de Zoologie Expérimentale et Générale 109: 193-210

Borojevic, R., Boury-Esnault, N. & Vacelet, J. 1990. A revision of the supraspecific classification of the subclass Calcinea (Porifera, Class Calcarea). Bulletin du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. Paris [published 1895-1906] 4 12(A,2): 243-276

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.

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