Myxilla (Myxilla) austini n. sp.

Tables 8 and 9, Figure 4

Diagnosis. Sponge surface fistulate, microhispid. Megascleres include fairly common to rare tylotes. Microscleres include uncommon unguiferate isochelae (juvenile forms?)

Etymology. The sponge is named in honour of the late Dr. William C. Austin. Bill was a highly regarded marine biologist, environmentalist and educator who studied and documented marine life of the Pacific Coast of North America for close to 60 years.

Material Examined. Holotype: RBCM Holotype 019-00106-001, Stn. NM 365, Croker Island, Indian Arm, BC, 49° 25.794’ N / 122° 51.830’ W, coll. N. McDaniel, 25 April 2018, 15 m depth, 1 specimen .

Paratype: RBCM Paratype 019-00107-001, Stn. NM 273, Croker Island, Indian Arm, BC, 49° 25.747’ N / 122° 51.874’ W, coll. N. McDaniel, 7 February 2012, 20 m depth, 1 specimen .

Other Material Examined: (all deposited at RBCM) RBCM 019-00108-001, Stn. NM 344, Croker Island, Indian Arm , BC, 49° 25.792’ N / 122° 51.889’ W, coll. N. McDaniel, 14 Sep 2016, depth 15 m, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00108 - 002, Stn . NM 345, Croker Is., Indian Arm, BC, 49°25.792’N / 122°51.889’ W W, coll. N. McDaniel, 14 Sep 2016, 15 m depth, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00110 - 001, Stn . NM 347, Sakinaw Rock, Sechelt, BC, 49° 34.039’ N / 123° 48.178’ W, coll. N. McDaniel, 18 Sep 2016, 25 m depth, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00111 - 001, Stn . NM 379, Croker Is., Indian Arm, BC, 49°25.788’ N / 122°51.775’ W W, coll. N. McDaniel, 27 Aug 2018, depth 15 m, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00111 - 002, Stn . NM 380, Croker Is., Indian Arm, BC, 49°25.788’ N / 122°51.775’ W, coll. N. McDaniel 27 Aug 2018, depth 15 m, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00111 - 003, Stn . NM 381, Croker Is., Indian Arm, BC, 49°25.788’ N / 122°51.775’ W, coll. N. McDaniel, 27 Aug 2018, depth 15 m, 1 specimen . RBCM 019-00112 - 001, Stn . NM 383, Ayers Point, Hood Canal, WA, 47° 22.664’ N / 123° 6.828’ W, coll. G. Jensen, 6 Jan 2018, depth 15 m, 1 specimen .