Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. from a south-east Pacific fjord (Chilean Patagonia) (Microcionidae: Poecilosclerida: Demospongiae: Porifera)

• Published in: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
• Main Authors: Hajdu, E., Desqueyroux-Faúndez, R., Willenz, P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: Fjords; Marine invertebrates; New species; Phylogenetics; Taxonomy; Clathria rosetafiordica; PSW; Argentina; Patagonia; Antarctic; Pacific; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://www.vliz.be/nl/open-marien-archief?module=ref&refid=117105

This article reports on a new species originating from the northern Chilean fjord region, which argued for the resurrection of Cornulotrocha , here classified as a new subgenus of Clathria , for sponges with choanosomal acanthostyles, ectosomal quasidiactinal monactines and rosettes of palmate (an)isochelae. Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. was collected at 23 m depth at Quintupeu fjord (~42°S), and is unique within this very large genus, in possessing rosettes of palmate anisochelae. The new species is compared to the only other known Clathria (Cornulotrocha) , viz. C. (Cornulotrocha) cheliradians n. comb.; to the single other Clathria known with anisochelae, viz C. (Thalysias) dubia to other crustose Clathria from southern South America, the subantarctic and Antarctic areas; and also to other sponges bearing rosettes; and is considered clearly distinct from all. The phylogenetic significance of rosettes is discussed, a likely adaptive value being discarded in view of the variable location of such structures in the distinct poecilosclerid taxa in which they occur.