Forcepia luciensis

(Topsent, 1888b)

Species Overview

Forcepia luciensis (Topsent, 1888b) is a thinly encrusting sponge with pointed papillae. It has characteristic strongly curved-curled microscleres (microscopic examination). It is a southern species.

Taxonomic Description

Colour: Brown.
Shape, size, surface and consistency: Encrusting, surface provided with laterally flattened, pointed papillae. No size recorded, but presumably small and thin. Consistency soft.
Spicules: Megascleres : Ectosomal tylotes, smooth: 250-310 x 4-5 µm; choanosomal acanthostyles: 65-150 x 4-5 µm.
Microscleres : Arcuate isochelae: 15-30 m; forceps ("micro-labis"), U-shaped with thin, parallel legs, or with one or both legs curved, sometimes spirally curved, microspined: legs 5-10 µm long, 2-7 µm apart; sigmas, if present and proper: 35-90 µm.
Skeleton: Hymedesmoid, with acanthostyles erect on the substrate; tylotes occurring in bundles at the surface.
Reproduction: In the fall (Mediterranean).
Ecology: Deeper water below 20 m, agglutinating sand grains and pebbles.
Distribution: Roscoff, Plymouth; Mediterranean, Cape Verde Islands.
Etymology: Named after Luc-sur-Mer on the W coast of France.
Type specimen information: The type is in the Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris.

Remarks

This is a distinct species due to the peculiar small forceps. Apparently, sigmas are variably present (not in the type).
Source: Topsent (1904).