| Diagnosis: |
Massive; encrusting; harsh to touch. Numerous, low conical elevations present on upper surface, each terminating in a circular osculum. Brownish-gray. Primary fibres: radiates from gastral cavity wall to surface; cored by a smooth styli strand, 1 to 4 spicules thick; spicules direct towards the surface, 1 or 2 styli may project from the end. Secondary fibres: creates right-angled meshes with the primary fibres; seldom with spicules. Smooth and spined styli sparsely echinate both primary and secondary fibres in equal numbers. Echinating spicule projects perpendicular to the fibre, with base imbedded in the spongin. No special dermal skeleton. Abundant, indefinitely-arranged smooth styli present in the sponge-flesh. Spicules: megascleres all styli; fairly stout spicules with well-rounded base, with broadest part about 1/3 of the length from base; usually run abruptly to a sharp point; spined styles occur as echinating spicules only. Microscleres: isochelae, palmate; distinct indentation on the convex side present if spicule lies on its side. Few simple stigmata, larger than isochelae. Toxa: slender; sharp; well-marked primary curve usually present, feeble secondary curves (Ref. 88951). |