Dermatreton Jenkin, 1908

Borojevic, Radovan, Boury-Esnault, Nicole & Vacelet, Jean, 2000, A revision of the supraspecific classification of the subclass Calcaronea (Porifera, class Calcarea), Zoosystema 22 (2), pp. 203-263 : 229

Genus Dermatreton Jenkin, 1908

TYPE SPECIES. — Dermatreton hodgsoni Jenkin, 1908 by subsequent designation (this work).

DIAGNOSIS. — Sycanthidae with coalescent radial tubes whose distal parts are supported by tangential triactines that form a loose meshwork perforated by large inhalant cavities.

DESCRIPTION

We use the genus Dermatreton in the manner proposed by Jenkin (1908a). The loose cortex, which covers the distal parts of fused radial tubes, is in the form of a meshwork with broad openings formed by the inhalant spaces. As such it cannot give sufficient mechanical rigidity to the sponge, and consequently the atrial skeleton is thickened and rigid. Jenkin (1908a) has not designated the type species of the genus. Among the originally included species we designate D. hodgsoni as the type species. Similar morphology is observed in Dermatreton (Tenthrenodes) scotti ( Fig. 24 ). The description and illustrations of Dermatreton chartaceum suggest that it should be included in the genus Breitfussia .

Figures

FIG. 24. — Diagram of the Dermatreton type of sponge wall organization. Abbreviations: ch, choanoderm; ic, inhalant cavities; cx, cortex.