Sycon quadrangulatum

(Schmidt, 1868)

Species Overview

Sycon quadrangulatum (Schmidt, 1868) is a fusiform, stiff sponge with the apical oscule naked. Surface smooth to slightly rough. A Mediterranean species reported occasionally from West European coasts.

Taxonomic Description

Colour: White.
Shape, size, surface and consistency: Fusiform, sponges with the apical oscule naked. Surface smooth to slightly rough. Consistency stiff.
Spicules: Calcareous. Triactines with rays of up to 70 µm; no tetractines; peripheral oxeas: up to 450 x 30-40 µm;.
Skeleton: Syconoid. Tufts of oxeas on the distal cones of the four-sided choanocyte chambers (causing a slight roughening of the surface).
Ecology: Sublittoral, on rocks.
Distribution: SW Ireland, Plymouth, S Brittanny, Mediterranean.
Etymology: The name refers to the four-sided choanocyte chambers.
Type specimen information: The type is in the Graz Museum, LMJG 15744. No type material in BMNH.

Remarks

Haeckel (1870) and Burton (1963) report the presence of an apical fringe, so that may be a variable character.
Source: Van Soest and Weinberg, 1980