History of changes

Introduction

Samidae Sollas, 1888, are assigned to Spirophorida with question, having amphitrichotriaenes, without long-shafted triaenes or oxeas.

The family is monogeneric and monospecific, although the species is reported from many different parts of the world. Its allocation is still difficult, which choices being an alliance with either Thoosidae in Hadromerida or a separate family in Spirophorida, and remains a controversy until the present. Major authors like Topsent (1928), Lévi (1973) and Wiedenmayer (1994) considered the combination of excavating habit, smallness of the amphitriaenes and their resemblance to amphiasters of Thoosa and Alectona, for example, compelling evidence for membership of Hadromerida, whereas many contemporary taxonomists attach more weight to the presence of the sigmaspires as a synapomorphy with Tetillidae. De Laubenfels (1936) assigned Samus to Homosclerophorida near Corticium, but that has found few followers. Inclusion of Samidae in Spirophorida by (Van Soest & Hooper 2002) was based on possession of sigmaspires, which are shared with Tetillidae, and based on the argument that the excavation habit is not exclusive to Hadromerida. This assignment is inconsistent amongst the Porifera in emphasising the shared possession of sigmaspires, because the family Scleritodermidae is assigned to ‘Lithistida’ in spite of its possession of sigmaspires.

Diagnosis

Small-sized excavating sponges with scanty skeletons consisting of confusedly arranged small amphitriaenes and sigmaspires. No further spicule types.

ID Keys

Only one genus recognised.

Diagnosis References

van Soest, R.W.M. & Hooper, J.N.A. 2002. Family Samidae Sollas, 1886. pp. 99-101 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. [99]

General References

van Soest, R.W.M. & Hooper, J.N.A. 2002. Family Samidae Sollas, 1886. pp. 99-101 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

• Samus 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 [526].

  Type species:

   Samus anonyma Gray, 1867 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Mediterranean Sea, West Indian region, SW Atlantic, Indian Ocean and W Pacific Ocean.

IMCRA

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

Diagnosis

See diagnosis of family.

Diagnosis References

van Soest, R.W.M. & Hooper, J.N.A. 2002. Family Samidae Sollas, 1886. pp. 99-101 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. [99]

History of changes

• Samus anonyma 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 [526] [based on Bowerbank, J.S. 1864. A Monograph of the British Spongiadae. London : Ray Society Vol. 1 290 pp. 37 pls. (pl. 2 figs 41, 42)].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH dry unregistered (Carter's No. 699), Bowerbank Collection, unknown (but thought to be Fremantle, WA) [32°03'S 115°46'E].

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Fremantle, also Carribean, SW Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and W Pacific 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

Mostly found in burrows, occasionally on or in other sponges; depth 2–17 m, or encrusting on rock.

History of changes

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]

History of changes

• Aciculites Schmidt, E.O. 1879. Die Spongien des Meerbusen von Mexico und des Caraibischen Meeres. II. Gustav. Fischer : Jena pp. 33-90 pls 5-10. [29] (This book was published in 1879 not 1880, as per the Systema Porifera book).

  Type species:

   Aciculites higginsi Schmidt, 1879 by monotypy.
• Sympyla 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 [353].

Distribution

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

Diagnosis

Polymorphic: massive, foliated or incrusting with short papillae. Rhizoclone desmas bear strong blunt spines; ectosomal spicules are acanthose anisostrongyles and/or styles; microscleres of any type absent.

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]

History of changes

• Aciculites orientalis 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. [101].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH “RN 50”, "Ceylon Seas".

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Introuvable Seamount, Norfolk Ridge, 562-589 m Previously known from Sri Lanka

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Scleritoderma Schmidt, E.O. 1879. Die Spongien des Meerbusen von Mexico. I. Jena : Gustav Fischer. [28].

  Type species:

   Scleritoderma flabelliforme Sollas, 1888 by subsequent designation, see 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].

Distribution

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

History of changes

• Scleritoderma camusi Lévi, C. & Lévi, P. 1983. Éponges tetractinellides et Lithistides bathyales de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Bulletin du Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Section A, Zoologie, biologie et écologie animale [Paris, published 1979-1996] 5(1): 101-168 [125].

  Type data:

   Holotype MNHP DCL 2787, New Caledonian Slope.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Jumeau-East Seamount, 278-410 m depth (QM G318549, QM G318706). Type locality New Caledonia Slope

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Scleritoderma flabelliforme 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 [316].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1891.5.4.10, Ki Island, Indonesia.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Éponge Seamount, 508-541 m depth (QM G318641). Antigonia Seamount, 540 m depth (QM G318658). Banc 1 Seamount, Coral Sea, 458-680 m depth (QM G318664). Type locality Ki Islands, Indonesia, south of West Papua

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

Distribution References

History of changes

Distribution

IMCRA

Norfolk Island Province (21)

General References

Schlacher-Hoenlinger, M.A., Pisera, A. & Hooper, J.N.A. 2005. Deep-sea “lithistid” assemblages from the Norfolk Ridge (New Caledonia), with description of seven new species and a new genus (Porifera, Demospongiae). Zoosystema 27(4): 649-698 [655] (undescribed species recorded)

History of changes

Introduction

Tetillidae Sollas, 1886, are Spirophorida with sigmaspire microscleres and a radiate skeleton of triaenes and oxeas.

Species range in depth from intertidal habitats to at least 2000 m. They characteristically occur on soft bottom deposits, which they are able to inhabit through the development of a basal mat of tangled spicules, typically formed of anatriaenes (Hartman 1982).

Seventeen nominal genera have been included in this family at one time or another, although only eight are currently recognised as being valid, following mainly Rützler (1987), of which six are recorded for the Australian fauna.

The family Tetillidae is reviewed in Sollas (1888), Lendenfeld, (1903), Wilson (1925), Brien et al. (1973), Bergquist (1978), Hartman, (1982), Rützler (1987) and Van Soest & Rützler (2002).

Diagnosis

Typically with spherical growth form, often with characteristic pits called porocalices containing the inhalant and occasionally also exhalant orifices. Cortical region often strengthened by collage fibers and special cortical megascleres, but this region may be thin or absent in several genera. Skeleton with tetraxonic and monaxonic megascleres (triaenes, huge oxeas) organized in a radiate pattern of spicule bundles, often spiralling outwards from the centre of the body; oxeas, protriaenes and anatriaenes are most common and these often protrude from the surface producing a conulose or hairy surface. In sponges provided with porocalices they form a palisade of long spicules, protruding far beyond the sponge surface, surrounding the porefields or oscular apertures, which lie in rounded depressions. Microscleres are unique contorted microspined sigmaspires. Reproduction is oviparous without a larval stage, or viviparous with production of young adults within a parent.

ID Keys

KEY TO GENERA
(1) Specialized pore-bearing pits (‘porocalices’) present ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
No porocalices ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

(2) Spicules include medium-sized heavily spined oxeas (‘megacanthoxeas’) ------------------------ Acanthotetilla
No megacanthoxeas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

(3) Among the megascleres there are short-shafted triaenes with equal-sized rays (calthrops). N.B. these may have bifid cladi but are not to be confused with long-shafted amphiclads ---------------------------------------- Paratetilla
No calthrops, all triaenes – if present – are long-shafted ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4

(4) In cross section, there is a clear cortical region with special cortical megascleres (short oxeas) and collagenous
reinforcement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cinachyra
In cross section there is no discernible peripheral layer different from that of the interior ---------------------------- 5

(5) Porocalices all similar, undifferentiated morphologically ------------------------------------------------- Cinachyrella
Porocalices differentiated into a morphologically distinct inhalant and exhalant type ------------------ Fangophilina

(6) Stalked sponges with differently structured stalk and main body; among the megascleres of the stalk there are triaenes with cladi on both ends (amphitriaenes, -diaenes, -monaenes, collectively called amphiclads-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amphitethya
No amphiclads, if stalked, then it is a thin root-like projection, not a proper stiff stalk --------------------------------- 7

(7) In cross section, there is a clear cortical region with collageneous reinforcement ------------------------ Craniella
In cross section there is no discernible peripheral layer different from that of the interior ---------------------- Tetilla

Diagnosis References

van Soest, R.W.M. & Ruetzler, K. 2002. Family Tetillidae Sollas, 1886. pp. 85-98 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. [85]

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).

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.

Rützler, K. 1987. Tetillidae (Spirophorida, Porifera): a taxonomic re-evaluation. pp. 187-203 in Vacelet, J. & Boury-Esnault, N. (eds). Taxonomy of Porifera from the N.E. Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. NATO ASI Series. Berlin : Springer-Verlag Vol. G13.

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

van Soest, R.W.M. & Ruetzler, K. 2002. Family Tetillidae Sollas, 1886. pp. 85-98 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.

Wilson, H.V. 1925. Silicious and horny sponges collected by the U.S. Fisheries steamer Albatross during the Philippine Expedition, 1907–10. In Contributions to the biology of the Philippine Archipelago and adjacent regions. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 100(2/4): i-vii 273-532 pls 37-52

History of changes

• Amphitethya 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. [126].

  Type species:

   Amphitethya microsigma Lendenfeld, 1907 by subsequent designation, see 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].

Distribution

States

Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Indo-Malayan region.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Globular-stalked sponges with conulose surface, lacking porocalices. Small scattered oscules. Skeleton of the main body radiate, consisting of oxeas and normal triaenes, and that of the stalk longitudinally arranged, consisting of all megascleres including amphiclad triaenes. Cortical region present in stalk and main body. Megascleres oxeas, protriaenes, anatriaenes, plagiotriaenes and long-shafted amphiclad triaenes. Microscleres sigmaspires. Two species, both from Australian waters.

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

History of changes

• Amphitethya microsigma 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. [126].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 2561 4 slides, 82–110 m, off Dirk Hartog Is., WA [25°51´S 112°37´E]; BMNH 1908.9.24.70 wet fragment of type, 82–110 m, off Dirk Hartog Is., WA [25°51´S 112°37´E]; BMNH 1908.2.9.33–35 3 slides, 1/76, 82–110 m, off Dirk Hartog Is., WA [25°51´S 112°37´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.

History of changes

• Tethya stipitata Carter, H.J. 1886. Supplement to the descriptions of Mr. J. Bracebridge Wilson's Australian sponges. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 18: 445-466 pl. 10 [460].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1887.7.11.11 wet (NMV photos 39/4,5, =AM G2739 slide), 'Port Phillip Heads, VIC' (Westernport Bay, VIC) [38°22'S 145°20'E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH unregistered slide 1/76; BMNH unregistered two slides 2/29.

Distribution

States

Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Bass Strait Shelf Province (35)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Cinachyra Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [182].

  Type species:

   Cinachyra barbata Sollas, 1886 by monotypy.
• Spiretta Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [42].

  Type species:

   Spiretta raphidiophora Sollas, 1888 by subsequent designation, see Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular, and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. (Tortugas Lab. Paper No. 467). Publication of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington 30: 1-225 22 pls 1 map [171].
• Tethyopsilla Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [45].

  Type species:

   Tethyopsilla stewarti Lendenfeld, 1888 by monotypy.
• Kaira Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular, and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. (Tortugas Lab. Paper No. 467). Publication of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington 30: 1-225 22 pls 1 map [175].

  Type species:

   Tethya hebes Lendenfeld, 1907 by original designation.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Rützler, K. 1987. Tetillidae (Spirophorida, Porifera): a taxonomic re-evaluation. pp. 187-203 in Vacelet, J. & Boury-Esnault, N. (eds). Taxonomy of Porifera from the N.E. Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. NATO ASI Series. Berlin : Springer-Verlag Vol. G13. [188]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

West Indian region, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region, W Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, Southern Ocean and Antarctic.

IMCRA

Christmas Island Province (23), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Globular sponges with surface covered by numerous porocalices. Full-grown specimens develop an irregular basal mass as wide as the globular upper part, equivalent perhaps to a stalk. Porocalices large and deep, flask-shaped, surrounded by a fringe of long megascleres. In cross section there is a prominent cortex strengthened by special cortical oxeas. Skeleton of the globular part radiate, consisting of bundles of oxeas originating in a central nucleus and spirally curving outwards toward the periphery, where they are mixed with protriaenes. These protrude beyond the layer of cortical oxeas and are the cause of the bristly surface. Megascleres choanosomal large oxeas, cortical small oxeas, protriaenes, and anatriaenes. Microscleres sigmaspires. So far, only a single valid species has been recognised with certainty to belong to this genus, most records of Cinachyra species concern the genus Cinachyrella (cf. below).

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

History of changes

• Tethya antarctica Carter, H.J. 1872. On two new sponges from the Antarctic Sea, and on a new species of Tethya from Shetland; together with observations on the reproduction of sponges commencing from zygosis of the sponge-animal. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 9: 409-435 pls 20-22 [412].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH (not found), 377–549 m, Ross Sea, New Zealand Antarctic Terr. [74°30´–77°30´S 175°0´W].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1954.3.9.812 dry fragment of type.
• Cinachyra vertex 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. [310].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 3497 slides, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 3498 slides, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 3499, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 3500 8 specimens in 6 jars, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 3060 2 slides, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 1908.9.24.76 wet fragment of type, slide 1/77, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 1907.8.12.3 slide 1/77, 170–400 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Antarctica [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E].
• Cinachyra vertex monticularis Kirkpatrick, R. 1908. Porifera. II. Tetraxonida. National Antarctic Expedition 1901–1904. Natural History London : British Museum Vol. 4 1–56 pls 8–26. [11].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1908.2.5.67 wet, slides, 238 m, off Ross Is., New Zealand Antarctic Terr. [77°49´S 167°7´4˜E]; BMNH 1908.2.5.68 wet, slides, 238 m, off Ross Is., New Zealand Antarctic Terr. [77°49´S 167°7´4˜E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Koltun, V.M. 1976. Porifera. Part I. Antarctic sponges. Report of the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition, 1928–31 B Zoology & Botany 9(4): 147-198 pls 1-3 [167]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr.; circum-Antarctic.

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 18–550 m.

General References

Webster, N.S. 2007. Sponge disease: a global threat ? Environmental Microbiology 9(6): 1363-1375 [1366]

History of changes

• Ancorina australis Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [41].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) AM G9059 wet (NMV photos 10/32–34), Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E]; 1886.6.27.532 wet (=AM G3634 slide), Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E]; BMNH unregistered slide 1/34, Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E].

Generic Combinations

• Cinachyra australis (Lendenfeld, 1888). —
  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] [431]

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Cinachyra barbata Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [183].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1.14 st. 149c wet (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.15 st. 149b wet (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.16 st. 149b wet (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.17 st. 149b wet (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.18 st. 149 wet (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.19 st. 149 wet, 11.16.37–51 unregistered 17 slides, 1/80 (coord for Balfour Bay), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.107 dry (11.16.37–51unregistered 17 slides, 1/80 (coord for Balfour Bay)), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1889.1.1.108 dry (11.16.37–51unregistered 17 slides, 1/80 (coord for Balfour Bay)), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W]; BMNH 1894 dry (11.16.37–51unregistered 17 slides, 1/80 (coord for Balfour Bay)), 46 m, off Royal Sound and 110 m, Balfour Bay, Kerguelen, Subantarctic [69°04'55"N 94°24'39"W].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr.; circum-Antarctic and Southern Ocean.

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth subtidal–549 m.

History of changes

• Tethya cavernosa Lamarck, J.B.P.A. de M. 1814. Suite des polypiers empâtés. Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris [1936-1950] 1: 69-80 [162–168, 331–340 (1815)] [70].

  Type data:

   Holotype MNHN Paris LBIM DT613 half of specimen (other half DT612 presently missing), unknown, possibly Australia.

  Secondary source:

   Topsent, E. 1930. Eponges de Lamarck conservées au Muséum de Paris. Archives du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 6 5: 1-56 4 figs pls 1-4 [5].
• Cinachyra providentiae Dendy, A. 1922. Report on the Sigmatotetraxonida collected by H.M.S. Sealark in the Indian Ocean. In Report of the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition to the Indian Ocean in 1905. Vol. 7. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London 2nd Series Zoology 18: 1-164 pls 1-18 [18].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1921.11.7.8., 51–71 m, Cargados, Providence, Indian Ocean [16°33'39"S 59°45'00"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] [431]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Australia; Providence, Indian Ocean, depth 51–71 m.

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Cinachyra phacoides Hentschel, E. 1911. Tetraxonida. pp. 279-393, 54 figs 2. Teil. in Michaelsen, W. & Hartmeyer, R. (eds). Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens. Jena : G. Fischer Vol. 3 (10). [285].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMH, 7–8 m, NW of Middle Bluff, Shark Bay, WA [25°48'S 113°27'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 7–8 m.

History of changes

• Tethyopsilla stewarti Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [45].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, (not found in AM, BMNH, or ZMB, possibly registered under a ms name), Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'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]

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Cinachyra tenuiviolacea Pulitzer-Finali, G. 1982. Some new or little-known sponges from the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Bollettino dei Musei e degli Instituti Biologici della Università di Genova 48–49(1980–1982): 87-141 [90].

  Type data:

   Holotype MCG 46926 wet, 12 m, Heron Reef, Great Barrier Reef [18°00'S 146°50'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Heron Is.

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

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

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 12 m.

History of changes

• Raphidotethya Burton, M. 1934. Sponges. Scientific Reports of the Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928-1929 4: 513-621 pls 1-2 [526].

  Type species:

   Raphidotethya enigmatica Burton, 1934 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD), Wet Tropics (WT)

IMCRA

Christmas Island Province (23), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Diagnosis

Globular sponges with hispid-bristly surface provided with numerous scattered porocalices; oscules inconspicuous. Skeleton radiate, consisting of bundles of oxeas issuing from the centre and running spirally to the surface. No cortical specialisation. Megascleres protriaenes, anatriaenes, occasionally plagiotriaenes, and dominant large oxeas. Microscleres sigmaspires, which may be lacking occasionally, finely spined oxeas and/or raphides occur. More than one hundred species distributed in shallow water of tropical and subtropical seas.

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

History of changes

• Tethya cranium australiensis Carter, H.J. 1886. Description of sponges from the neighbourhood of Port Phillip Heads, South Australia. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 17: 40-53, 112-127 [127].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1886.12.15.367 dry (=AM G2948 slide), 36 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E].
• Spiretta porosa Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [43].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) AM G9076 wet (NMV photos 24/25–27), Port Denison, QLD; BMNH 1886.8.27.632 wet (=AM G3619 fragment of type, slide), Port Denison, QLD; BMNH 1886.8.27.633 wet, Port Denison, QLD; BMNH 1886.8.27.632a–66a wet, 2 slides 1/80 ((only Pt Denison coords are for WA??)), Port Denison, QLD [29°17'S 114°55'E].
• Spiretta raphidiophora Lendenfeld, R. von 1888. Descriptive Catalogue of the Sponges in the Australian Museum, Sydney. London : Taylor & Francis 260 pp. 12 pls. [43].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) AM G9075 wet (NMV photo 23/18,19), Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E]; BMNH 1886.8.27.634 wet (=AM G3668 fragment of type, slide), Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E]; BMNH unregistered wet, slide 1/80, Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E].
• Cinachyra malaccensis Sollas, I.B.J. 1902. On the sponges collected during the 'Skeat Expedition' to the Malay Peninsula, 1899–1900. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1902: 210–221 pls 14, 15 [219].

  Type data:

   Holotype CUMZ unknown wet (coords for Malay peninsula), Pulau Bridang, off the coast of Kedah, Malay Penisula, West Coast [9°19'08"N 98°44'06"E].
• Tetilla lindgreni Lendenfeld, R. von 1903. Tetraxonia. In Schulze, F.E. (ed.) Das Tierreich. Berlin : Friedländer Lf 19 168 pp. 44 figs. [18] [nom. nov. for Tetilla ternatensis Lindgren, 1897 which name was perpetuated by Kirkpatrick, 1900, not Tetilla ternatensis Kieschnick, 1896].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) NHRM unknown wet, Java, Christmas Is., Flying Fish Cove; BMNH 1898.12.20.20 wet, Java, Christmas Is., Flying Fish Cove.

  Type locality references:

  Lindgren, N.G. 1897. Beitrag zur Kenntniss der Spongienfauna des Malaiischen Archipels und der Chinesischen Meere. Zoologischer Anzeiger 20: 480-487; Kirkpatrick, R. 1900. IV. On the sponges of Christmas Island. In Andrews, C.W., Smith, E.A., Bernard, H.M., Kirkpatrick, R. & Chapman, F.C.: On the marine fauna of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1900: 127-141 pls 12-13.
• Tethya hebes 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. [98].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMB 768 dry, 1 slide, 91 m, NW coast of Australia below 19ºS.
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1908.2.9.19–21 dry, slides 1/81.
• Cinachyra isis 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. [143].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMB 494 wet, 4 slides, Mermaid Strait, Dampier, WA [20°40'S 116°30'E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1908.2.9.51–53 wet, slides 1/81.
• Tetilla cinachyroides Hentschel, E. 1911. Tetraxonida. pp. 279-393, 54 figs 2. Teil. in Michaelsen, W. & Hartmeyer, R. (eds). Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens. Jena : G. Fischer Vol. 3 (10). [281].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMH unknown dry, Barrow Is., WA [20°48'S 115°26'E]; ZMB 4393 dry, 2 fragments of type(s?), Barrow Is., WA [20°48'S 115°26'E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Burton, M. 1934. Sponges. Scientific Reports of the Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928-1929 4: 513-621 pls 1-2 [523]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Christmas Is., NW Shelf, Torres Strait–Thursday Is., Low Isles, Thalamita Flat, Sand Flat, Middle Moat, Mangrove Park, Batt Reef, Heron Is., Cossack, also Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region and W Pacific.

IMCRA

Christmas Island Province (23), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth intertidal–91 m.

General References

Hooper, J.N.A., List-Armitage, S.E., Kennedy, J.A., Cook, S.D. & Valentine, C.A. 1999. Sponges of the Low Isles, Great Barrier Reef: an important scientific site, or a case of mistaken identity? Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 44: 249-262 [257] (Referred to as "Cinachyra" in this article rather than Cinachyrella (since been changed))

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] (unjustified lumping of sibling species by Burton, M. 1934. Sponges. Science Reports of the Geat Barrier Reef Expedition 4: 513–621 pls 1–2 [523], revision of type material of each nominal species is required to corroborate this synonymy)

McDonald, J.I., Hooper, J.N.A. & McGuinness, K.A. 2002. Environmentally influenced variability in the morphology of Cinachyrella australiensis (Carter, 1886) (Porifera: Spirophorida: Tetillidae). Marine and Freshwater Research 53: 79-84 [79] (Listed in this article)

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] (Tetilla lindgreni Lendenfeld was erected for specimens misidentified as Tetilla ternatensis by Lindgren, 1897)

History of changes

• Raphidotethya enigmatica Burton, M. 1934. Sponges. Scientific Reports of the Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928-1929 4: 513-621 pls 1-2 [526].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1930.8.13.27, 35 m, 0.6 km N of North Direction Is., Great Barrier Reef [14°45'S 145°31'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD), Wet Tropics (WT)

IMCRA

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

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

General References

Hooper, J.N.A., List-Armitage, S.E., Kennedy, J.A., Cook, S.D. & Valentine, C.A. 1999. Sponges of the Low Isles, Great Barrier Reef: an important scientific site, or a case of mistaken identity? Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 44: 249-262 [257] (In this article referred to as 'Raphidotethya enigmatica' rather than Cinachyra)

Hooper, J.N.A. & Kennedy, J.A. 2002. Small-scale patterns of sponge biodiversity (Porifera) on Sunshine Coast reefs, eastern Australia. Invertebrate Systematics 16(4): 637-653 [640] (Listed in this article as "Rhaphidotethya enigmatica")

History of changes

• Craniella Schmidt, E.O. 1870. Grundzüge einer Spongien-Fauna des Atlantischen Gebietes. Leipzig : Engelmann 88 pp. 6 pls. [66].

  Type species:

   Craniella tethyoides Schmidt, 1870 by subsequent designation, see Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular, and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. (Tortugas Lab. Paper No. 467). Publication of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington 30: 1-225 22 pls 1 map.
• Craniellopsis Topsent, E. 1913. Spongiaires provenant des Campagnes scientifiques de la Princess-Alice dans les Mers du Nord (1898–1899—1906–1907). Résultats des Campagnes Scientifiques accomplies par le Prince Albert I. Monaco 45: 1-67 pls 1-5 [14].

  Type species:

   Tethya zetlandica Carter, 1872 by subsequent designation, see Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular, and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. (Tortugas Lab. Paper No. 467). Publication of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington 30: 1-225 22 pls 1 map [171].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Rützler, K. 1987. Tetillidae (Spirophorida, Porifera): a taxonomic re-evaluation. pp. 187-203 in Vacelet, J. & Boury-Esnault, N. (eds). Taxonomy of Porifera from the N.E. Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. NATO ASI Series. Berlin : Springer-Verlag Vol. G13. [190]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Arctic, N, E and SW Atlantic, Mediterranean, Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region, Japan, S Pacific Ocean and New Zealand.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Globular sponges with conulose but optically smooth surface over most of the upper body; at the base there are bundles of spicules acting as a root. Oscules few, usually on the top. Ostia in sieve-like groups overlying subdermal cavities. In cross section there is a distinctly visible cortical layer, which is perhaps divisible in a tightly collagenous layer strengthened by radially or confusedly arranged special cortical megascleres, and a less dense outer layer in which there are many subdermal cavities. Choanosomal skeleton radiating in spiral fashion, with bundles of oxeas originating from a central focus and spiralling outwards towards the surface where they are mixed with protriaenes to protrude in groups and push up the ectosome into conical elevations. Megascleres, protriaenes, anatriaenes, choanosomal oxeas, shorter cortical oxeas. Microscleres, sigmaspires (may be lost not infrequently). About 25 species are recorded from most seas and oceans, often from somewhat deeper localities.

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

History of changes

• Tethya zetlandica Carter, H.J. 1872. On two new sponges from the Antarctic Sea, and on a new species of Tethya from Shetland; together with observations on the reproduction of sponges commencing from zygosis of the sponge-animal. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 9: 409-435 pls 20-22 [417].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1983.6.14.1 wet, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W]; BMNH 1983.6.14.2 wet, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W]; BMNH 1983.6.14.3 wet, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W]; BMNH 1983.6.14.4 wet, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W]; BMNH 1954.3.9.608–609 2 slides, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W]; BMNH unregistered slide '450D' 1/91, Shetland Ils, United Kingdom [60°39'07"N 2°00'14"W].
• Tethya simillima Bowerbank, J.S. 1873. Contributions to a general history of the Spongiadae. Part IV. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1873: 3-25 pls 1-4 [15].

  Type data:

   Holotype RCSL destroyed 1941, South Seas.

  Secondary source:

   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 [31]; Stone, S.M. 1986. Index to Important Sponge Collections. Autumn 1986. London : British Museum (Natural History) Vol. 47. [4].
• Craniella bowerbanki Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [181].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1889.1.1.21, Port Jackson, NSW [33°51'S 151°15'E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1.20 2 specimens; BMNH 1889.1.1.22; ZMB fragments of type(s?).
• Craniella pulchra Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [182].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1.23 wet, 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E]; BMNH 1889.1.1.23A wet, 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E]; BMNH 1894.11.16.64–65 2 slides 1/91, 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E]; ZMB fragments of type(s?), 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Lendenfeld, R. von 1903. Tetraxonia. In Schulze, F.E. (ed.) Das Tierreich. Berlin : Friedländer Lf 19 168 pp. 44 figs. [31]
• Dendy, A. 1924. Porifera. Part 1. Non-antarctic sponges. pp. 269–392 pls 1–15 in, British Antarctic (Terra Nova) Expedition, 1910. Natural History Report, Zoology Vol. 6. [318]
• Rützler, K. 1987. Tetillidae (Spirophorida, Porifera): a taxonomic re-evaluation. pp. 187-203 in Vacelet, J. & Boury-Esnault, N. (eds). Taxonomy of Porifera from the N.E. Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. NATO ASI Series. Berlin : Springer-Verlag Vol. G13. [190]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Shark Bay, Arafura Sea, Port Jackson, Twofold Bay, also N and SW Atlantic Arctic, Indo-Malayan region, S Pacific and New Zealand.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Northwest Province (4), Central Western Transition (5)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth subtidal–440 m.

History of changes

• Paratetilla 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. [97].

  Type species:

   Tethya merguiensis Carter, 1883 by subsequent designation, see Laubenfels, M.W. de 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular, and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. (Tortugas Lab. Paper No. 467). Publication of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington 30: 1-225 22 pls 1 map [175].

Introduction

Chambers et al. (2013) used molecular methods to separate two morphs of a moon sponge, Paratetilla sp., to recognise Cinachyrella (Morph 1) and Paratetilla (Morph 2).

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region and W Pacific Ocean.

IMCRA

Christmas Island Province (23), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Globular sponges with hairy-bristly surface, provided with porocalices. Skeleton radiate, with bundles of oxeas originating from a central focus and running radially to the surface. Spicules protriaenes, anatriaenes, calthrops-like triaenes, oxeas, sigmaspires. So far only a single wide-spread Indo-West Pacific species is reliably recorded.

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

General References

Chambers, K., Padovan, A., Alvarez, B. & Gibb, K. 2013. Microbial signatures can help distinguish moon sponges (family Tetillidae) from Darwin Harbour, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 64(8): 716–725

History of changes

• Stelletta bacca Selenka, E. 1867. Ueber einige neue Schwämme aus der Südsee. Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie 17: 565-571 pl. 35 [569].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, Samoa Ils, South Pacific [14°38'38"S 172°34'33"W].

  Secondary source:

   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 [205].
• Tethya merguiensis Carter, H.J. 1883. Contributions to our knowledge of the Spongida. Pachytragida. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 11: 344-369 pls 14-15 [366].

  Type data:

   Holotype IM, King Is., Mergui Archipelago, Burma [14°06'07"S 144°12'14"E].
• Tetilla ternatensis Kieschnick, O. 1896. Silicispongiae von Ternate nach den Sammlungen von Herrn Prof. Dr. W. Kükenthal. Zoologischer Anzeiger 19: 526-534 [527].

  Type data:

   Holotype SMF 791T wet, Ternate, Molucca Sea, Indonesia [0°47'06"N 127°22'12"E].
• Tetilla amboinensis Kieschnick, O. 1898. Die Kieselschwämme von Amboina. Inauguraldissertation. Jena : G. Neuenhahn 66 pp. [10].

  Type data:

   Holotype PMJ Porif.71 (NMV photos 57/23–26), Ambon, Banda Sea, Indonesia [3°50'39"S 137°40'49"E].
• Tetilla violacea Kieschnick, O. 1898. Die Kieselschwämme von Amboina. Inauguraldissertation. Jena : G. Neuenhahn 66 pp. [15].

  Type data:

   Holotype PMJ Porif.72 (NMV photos 57/59–62), Thursday Is., Torres Strait [10°35'16"S 142°17'20"E].
• Tetilla rubra Kieschnick, O. 1898. Die Kieselschwämme von Amboina. Inauguraldissertation. Jena : G. Neuenhahn 66 pp. [18].

  Type data:

   Holotype PMJ Porif.73 (NMV Photos 57/11–16), Thursday Is., Torres Strait [10°35'16"S 142°17'20"E].
• Paratetilla cineriformis 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. [97].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH 1907.2.1.16 wet, Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka [8°36'39"N 78°35'27"E].
• Paratetilla eccentrica Row, R.W.H. 1911. Report on the sponges collected by Mr. Cyril Crossland, 1904–5. Part II. Non-Calcarea. In Reports on the marine biology of the Sudanese Red Sea XIX. Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology Zool. 31: 287-400 pls 35-41 [306].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH (coords for Red Sea), Suakin Archipelago, Red Sea [22°32'56"N 37°06'43"E].
• Paratetilla bacca corrugata Dendy, A. 1922. Report on the Sigmatotetraxonida collected by H.M.S. Sealark in the Indian Ocean. In Report of the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition to the Indian Ocean in 1905. Vol. 7. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London 2nd Series Zoology 18: 1-164 pls 1-18 [23].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1921.11.7.11 wet, 18 m, Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean [7°28'48"S 72°20'09"E].
• Paratetilla arcifera Wilson, H.V. 1925. Silicious and horny sponges collected by the U.S. Fisheries steamer Albatross during the Philippine Expedition, 1907–10. In Contributions to the biology of the Philippine Archipelago and adjacent regions. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 100(2/4): i-vii 273-532 pls 37-52 [380].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 21278, Philippines [7°00'59"N 124°45'20"E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Burton, M. 1959. Sponges. Scientific Reports of the John Murray Expedition 10(5): 151-281 41 figs [200]

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Christmas Is., Flying Fish Cove, Cape York, Torres Strait, Thursday Is., also Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region and W Pacific Ocean.

IMCRA

Christmas Island Province (23), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth subtidal–38 m.

History of changes

• Tetilla Schmidt, E.O. 1868. Die Spongien der Küste von Algier. Mit Nachträgen zu den Spongien des Adriatischen Meeres. Leipzig : Engelmann 44 pp. 5 pls. [40].

  Type species:

   Tetilla euplocamos Schmidt, 1868 by monotypy.
• Chrotella Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [180].

  Type species:

   Chrotella simplex Sollas, 1886 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 [cxxv].
• Trachygellius Topsent, E. 1894. Une réforme dans la classification des Halichondrina. Mémoires de la Société Zoologique de France 7: 5-26 [8].

  Type species:

   Trachya globosa Carter, 1886 by original designation.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Wilson, H.V. 1925. Silicious and horny sponges collected by the U.S. Fisheries steamer Albatross during the Philippine Expedition, 1907–10. In Contributions to the biology of the Philippine Archipelago and adjacent regions. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 100(2/4): i-vii 273-532 pls 37-52 [355]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Amphi-Atlantic, Arctic, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region, N Pacific (Japan to Okhotzk Sea), E Pacific, New Zealand, Southern Ocean and Antarctic.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Other Regions

Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

Diagnosis

Globular sponges with conulose or uniformly hispid surface, with few oscules, usually situated at the top. Usually with spicule strands at the base, acting as root system. Surface without porocalices. In cross section, there is no visible cortex. The skeleton is spirally radiate, with bundles of oxeas originating from a central focus and radiating in a spiral manner to the surface. At the periphery, these bundles of oxeas become mixed with triaenes, predominantly protriaenes. Microscleres sigmaspires (absent in the type species). About 50 species have been described from all parts of the world oceans, mostly from deeper localities. Since many authors did not distinguish between Tetilla and Craniella, the actual number of species may be less.

ID Keys

See Family Tetillidae Diagnosis.

History of changes

• Tetilla coronida 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 [9].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1889.1.1.4A (=BMNH 1881.5.5.1), 274 m, W of Heard Is., Subantarctic [52°04´S 71°22´E].

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Also Kerguelen.

Other Regions

Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 70–585 m.

History of changes

• Tethya dactyloidea Carter, H.J. 1869. Description of a siliceous sand-sponge found on the south-east coast of Arabia. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 3: 15-17 [15].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH 1925.12.1.7 dry (probably lost, except one (coord for Muscat)), Ras Abu Ashrin (=Ras an Nugdah), Muscat and Oman (as South-east coast of Arabia); Maham estuary, Bombay, India [23°36'25"N 58°35'16"E].
• Chalinula coxi Lendenfeld, R. von 1885. On a sponge destructive to oyster culture in the Clarence River. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 10: 326-329 [327].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 87.1.24.14.17 wet, 4 specimens (as Ostreophila) –17a, slide, 1/92, =AM G3383 slide), Clarence River, NSW [29°25'S 153°22'E]; ZMB 1150 17 slides (as Ostreophila), Clarence River, NSW [29°25'S 153°22'E].
• Tetilla dactyloidea lingua Annandale, N. 1915. Fauna of Chilka Lake. Sponges. Memoirs of the Indian Museum 5: 23-54 pls 3-5 [52].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) IM several specimens, 4 m, Chilka Lake, outer channel, East Coast of India [19°48'57"N 85°23'06"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] [434]

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Clarence River, also Indian Ocean, Indo-Malayan region and Japan.

IMCRA

Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Subtidal, sheltered and estuarine (euryhaline) environments.

History of changes

• Trachya globosa Carter, H.J. 1886. Description of sponges from the neighbourhood of Port Phillip Heads, South Australia. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 17: 40-53, 112-127 [121].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1886.12.15.100 wet (=AM G2751 slide), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; 1886.12.15.389 dry (NMV photo 40/2, =AM G2942 slide), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; BMNH 1886.12.15.101 wet (NMV photos 34/3,4), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; 1886.12.15.65 wet (NMV photo 37/5), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; 1886.12.15.22 wet (NMV photos 37/11,12), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; 1886.12.15.387 dry (NMV photos 39/35,36), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E]; 1886.12.15.388 dry (NMV photo 40/1), 35 m, Port Phillip Heads, VIC [38°07'S 144°48'E].

Distribution

States

Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Tetilla leptoderma Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [179].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH 1889.1.1.3 wet figured, 1097 m, off the Rio de la Plata, E coast of South America [37°17´S 53°52´W].
  Paralectotype(s) 1889.1.1.2 5 specimens, wet; BMNH 1894.11.16.12–15 4 slides 1/93; ZMB fragments of type(s?).
• Tetilla grandis Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [180].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1 wet, 46 m, off Royal Sound, Kerguelen Is. [no coords available]; ZMB fragments of type(s?), 46 m, off Royal Sound, Kerguelen Is. [no coords available].
• Tetilla grandis alba 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 [13].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1 wet (coords for Heard Island, and Cumberland Bay), 274 m, Heard Is.; 232 m, off Cumberland Bay, Kerguelen Ils [53°03'39"S 73°46'30"E, 54°12'50"S 36°34'19"W]; ZMB fragments of type(s?) (coords for Heard Island and Cumberland Bay), 274 m, Heard Is.; 232 m, off Cumberland Bay, Kerguelen Ils [53°03'39"S 73°46'30"E, 54°12'50"S 36°34'19"W].
• Tethya sagitta 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. [306].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) ZMB 3504 2 specimens, 2 slides missing, 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; ZMB 5064 2 slides, 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E]; BMNH 1907.8.12.1–2 2 slides 1/94, 350–385 m, off Wilhelm II Coast, Aust. Antarctic Terr. [66°2´9˜S 89°38´E].
• Craniella sagitta microsigma Kirkpatrick, R. 1908. Porifera. II. Tetraxonida. National Antarctic Expedition 1901–1904. Natural History London : British Museum Vol. 4 1–56 pls 8–26. [1].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1908.2.5.35 wet, figured with slides, 46–110 m, off Ross Is., McMurdo Bay, New Zealand Antarctic Terr. [77°49´S 167°7´4˜E].
  Paratype(s) BMNH 1908.2.5.37 wet, slides; BMNH 1908.2.5.38 wet, slides; BMNH 1908.2.5.39 slide only.
• Craniella sagitta pachyrrhabdus Kirkpatrick, R. 1908. Porifera. II. Tetraxonida. National Antarctic Expedition 1901–1904. Natural History London : British Museum Vol. 4 1–56 pls 8–26. [4].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1908.2.5.40 wet, 46–110 m, off Ross Is., New Zealand Antarctic Terr. [77°49´S 167°7´4˜E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Burton, M. 1929. Porifera. Part 2. Antarctic sponges. In, British Antarctic (`Terra Nova') Expedition, 1910. Natural History Report. Zoology. 6(4): 393–458 pls 1–5. 393-458 pls 1-5 [418]
• Boury-Esnault, N. & Beveren, M. van 1982. Les démosponges du plateau continental de Kerguelen-Heard. Comité national français des Recherches Antarctiques 52: 1-132 21 pls [27]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Aust. Antarctic Terr., Heard Is.; cirum-Antarctic, Southern Ocean and SW Atlantic (Patagonia).

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 4–2267 m.

History of changes

• Tetilla praecipua Wiedenmayer, F. 1989. Demospongiae (Porifera) from northern Bass Strait (Shelf of Southern Australia). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 50(1): 1-242 [28].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMV F51943, off Warrnambool, Bass Strait, VIC [39°20'S 145°30'E].

Distribution

States

Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 52 m.

History of changes

• Trachya globosa rugosa Carter, H.J. 1886. Supplement to the descriptions of Mr. J. Bracebridge Wilson's Australian sponges. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 18: 445-466 pl. 10 [457].

  Type data:

   Holotype 1886.12.15.66 wet (NMV photos 34/5–7, =AM G2752 slide), Westernport Bay, VIC [38°22'S 145°20'E].

Distribution

States

Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Tetilla schulzei Kieschnick, O. 1898. Die Kieselschwämme von Amboina. Inauguraldissertation. Jena : G. Neuenhahn 66 pp. [21].

  Type data:

   Holotype PMJ Porif.74 wet (NMV photos 57/3–6), Ambon, Indonesia [3°50'39"S 137°40'49"E].

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

New records for Australia (Hooper 1994: 435), also SE Indonesia.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

History of changes

• Chrotella simplex Sollas, W.J. 1886. Preliminary account of the tetractinellid sponges dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872–1876. Part 1. The Choristida. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society ns 5: 177-199 [181].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1889.1.1.12 wet –12a, slide 1/92, 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E]; BMNH 1894.11.16.27–32 6 slides 1/97, 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E]; ZMB fragments of type(s?), 274 m, off Twofold Bay, NSW [37°06'S 149°55'E].

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

IMCRA

Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Filter-feeder, marine, sessile.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth 270 m.

History of changes