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Microscleres present. May include Sigmaspires Spiny Sigmas, Asters or Microxeas. The latter are in the range of 35 - 100 µm long. |
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[B]
Microscleres absent.
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| | Tetilla mutabilis
de Laubenfels, 1930 |
Sponge:
Pedunculate-clavate to irregularly massive to 8 cm. high.
Consistency: spongy to cartilaginous.
Surface: superficially hirsute with repent, exceedingly thin spicules matted together.
Oscula: oval, flush.
Color: Alive: Dull red with green patches. Preserved: Dull red.
Spicules: Megascleres:
(1)Prodiaenes/Protriaenes:
Rhabd diameter 1 - 6 µm.
Clad length 30 - 90 µm.
(2)Oxeas with filiform tip:
2000 µm.
x 9 µm.
(3) Anatriaenes (rare):
Rhabd diameter 3 - 7 µm.
Clad length 20 - 30 µm.
Chord 30 - 40 µm.
Skeleton:
Ectosome: Packed with Protriaenes, clads outward, arranged in non-erect brushes.
Choanosome: In Clavate form, a central axis of packed spicules. This surrounded by large chambers with the outer walls with spicules in confusion. In massive forms, no central core.
Distribution: Southern to ?Central California.
Depth: Subtidal to Deep water.
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