Family SCLERITODERMIDAE Sollas, 1888

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Diagnosis

Polymorphic: massive, encrusting, ear-shaped, foliated, cup- to vase-shaped or flabellate; desmas are thorny or tuberculated rhizoclones; ectosomal spicules when present are various acanthorhabds/strongyles, styles or smooth strongyloxeas; microscleres when present are spinose sigmaspires.

ID Keys

KEY TO GENERA
(1) Microscleres present ................................................................................................................................. 2
Microscleres absent, ectosomal spicules are acanthorhabds/strongyles ........................................... Aciculites
(2) Ectosomal spicules are acanthorhabds ................................................................................. Scleritoderma
Ectosomal spicules are smooth strongyloxeas .................................................................................... Setidium
Ectosomal spicules absent, vase shaped or foliate in shape ................................................ Microscleroderma
Ectosomal spicules absent, massive conical or globular in form, with several raised complex oscular areas .......................................................................................................................................... Amphibleptula

Diagnosis References

Pisera, A. & Lévi, C. 2002. Family Scleritodermidae Sollas, 1888. pp. 302-311 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. [302]

General References

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 [346]

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