Phloeodictyidae is a family of marine sponges within the phylum Porifera, class Demospongiae, subclass Heteroscleromorpha, and order Haplosclerida. The family was established by Carter in 1882.
Taxonomy
Phloeodictyidae is distinguished from other haplosclerid sponges primarily by having a detachable ectosomal crust, an isotropic reticulation of single spicules, and a concentric laminated internal structure. Species commonly possess fistules and tubes, which are adaptations for burrowing or being buried in substrates.
Genera
The family contains the following genera:
- Calyx Vosmaer, 1885
- Oceanapia Norman, 1869
- Pachypellina Burton, 1934
- Siphonodictyon Bergquist, 1965
- Tabulocalyx Pulitzer-Finali, 1993
Synonyms
- Akaidae Alander, 1942 (junior synonym)
- Oceanapiidae van Soest, 1980 (junior synonym)
Distribution and Habitat
Members of Phloeodictyidae are found in marine environments worldwide. Many species are adapted to burrowing into substrates such as sand, mud, or coral rubble, with their fistules (tube-like projections) extending above the surface for water intake and outflow.
References
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). "Phloeodictyidae Carter, 1882". AphiaID: 131639.
- van Soest, R.W.M., et al. (2012). "Family Phloeodictyidae Carter, 1882." Systema Porifera: A Guide to the Classification of Sponges. Springer.
