Gray, 1872
Definition: Order Chondrosida (formerly assigned to the large order Hadromerida). Massively to thinly encrusting sponges of firm and resilient, liver- to cartilage-like consistency. No megascleres, but one genus (Chondrilla , cf. Chondrilla nucula) retains euaster microscleres (spheraster).
Remarks: 3 valid genera (of 5 in total) are included in it .They are mainly found in shallow tropical and warm-temperate waters, on rocks, sand and mangrove roots.
Source: Hooper's Internet Sponge Guide.
Genera represented in the area:
Chondrosia Nardo, 1847 (type species C . reniformis Nardo, 1847): no skeletal elements other than strongly collagenous cortex.
Thymosia Topsent, 1895 (type species T . guernei Topsent, 1895): conulose surface; lacks spicules but has some spongin fibres.
Species included:
Chondrosia reniformis
Thymosia guernei