Dendy, 1892
Definition: Clathrinida with a body differentiated into a cortex and a choanosome whose organization is reminiscent of a clathroid body composed of anastomosed tubes. The cortex contains a specific skeleton and is composed of large triactines and/or tetractines. Choanocyte chambers are tubular, often highly ramified and anastomosed. The choanoskeleton is restricted to the walls of the choanocyte chambers, maintaining a distinctly tubular organization (Calcinean evolution).
Remarks: The family contains only two genera, only one of which, Ascaltis Haeckel, 1870 (type species A . lamarcki Haeckel, 1870) is represented in the area. The two genera differ in the presence (Leucascus ) or absence (Ascaltis ) of a true atrial chamber distinct from the tube-like choanocyte chambers.
Source: Borojevic et al., 1990.
Genus represented in the area:
Ascaltis Haeckel, 1870 (type species A . lamarcki Haeckel, 1870): no atrial chamber separate from the tubar chambers.
Species included:
Ascaltis lamarcki