Sollas, 1888
Definition: Sponges with astrose microscleres (euaster, sterraster, metaster) sometimes accompanied by microrhabds (microxeas and microstrongyles). The megascleres are tetractines (tetraxones), normally triaenes, occurring almost always in combination with oxeotes (huge oxeas, strongyloxeas or strongyles). The skeletal framework is radially arranged, at least in peripheral regions. Both tetractinal megascleres or astrose microscleres may occasionally be lost, yielding genera having oxeas and asters, or oxeas only for spicules. A radiate skeleton and generally coarse texture permit recognition of these forms as Astrophorida.
Remarks: Gametes are known for only a few genera, and larval stages are still unknown.
Nomenclature: the name Astrophorida is often used as a synonym of Choristida. This taxon, however, comprises in addition to the Astrophorida also the Spirophorida, which share the megasclere complement of Astrophorida but have sigmaspires as microscleres.
The following families are recognized:
Family Ancorinidae (=Stellettidae): triaenes and huge oxeas; microscleres euasters
occasionally accompanied by sanidasters/amphiasters.
Family Geodiidae: triaenes; with sterrasters or aspidasters.
Family Calthropellidae: calthrops and euasters.
Family Pachastrellidae: calthrops, huge oxeas and streptasters (metasters, spirasters,
amphiasters)
Family Theneidae: peculiar body shape; triaenes and huge oxeas; streptasters.
Family Thrombidae: trichotriaenes and amphiasters.
Family Coppatiidae: no triaenes; euasters and/or amphiasters/sanidasters.
Source: Hartman, 1982.
Family not represented in the area:
Family Coppatiidae