Family Dictyonellidae Van Soest, Diaz & Pomponi, 1990

Abstract

Dictyonellidae Van Soest et al. (Demospongiae, Halichondrida) are sponges with fleshy appearance, lacking a special surface skeleton of spicules. The spicular density is often relatively low and skeletons consist of ill-defined bundles following a dendritic pattern or making an irregular reticulation. Spongin may be important as binding substance. Spicules comprise usually long, often somewhat flexuous styles, occasionally strongyles, oxeas or oxeote derivations, but shorter straight styles are not uncommon. Characteristically, spicule endings are variable and often telescoped. Dictyonellidae are cosmopolitan in occurrence, but are more common in warmer waters. Compared with the original contents, the family has been here extended to include Phakettia,Stylissa and Svenzea,and now comprises ten valid genera (out of 17 nominal genera).