Brinckmannia hexactinellidophila , n. gen., n. sp.: a hydroid living in tissues of glass sponges of the reefs, fjords, and seamounts of Pacific Canada and Alaska

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Schuchert, Peter, Reiswig, Henry M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2006
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Pacific; Alaska; Glass sponges
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z06-031; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full-xml/10.1139/z06-031; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z06-031

This paper reports on an intimate association of a cnidarian with glass sponges. Hexactinellid sponges of the genus Heterochone were found to regularly contain numerous tiny hydroids in their tissue. The hydroid belongs to a new genus and species and is here named Brinckmannia hexactinellidophila. Brinckmannia hexactinellidophila is a reduced form, lacking tentacles and gonophores, which certainly is an adaptation to its endobiotic mode of life. The possession of desmonemes allows it to be classified as a member of the suborder Filifera of the order Anthoathecata. The shape of the hydranth reveals some clear affinities with the Proboscidactylidae, a relationship which is also strongly suggested by a comparison of 16S gene sequences. Because a closer relationship to some other families cannot be excluded at this stage, the new genus is nevertheless not assigned to any known family and classified as Filifera incertae sedis.