taxonID	type	description	language	source
0381878FFFFA9910FF08FC8177DBE1E4.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 1117 (in part), 1118 (in part), São Francisco River (III), Petrolândia, Pernambuco, Brazil, 09 ° 08 ' 37.1 " S 38 ° 17 ' 48.9 " W, coll. E. L. R. Lima, 19. v. 2010. UFPEPOR 1300, São Francisco River (II), Santa Maria da Boa Vista, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 48 ' 31.5 " S 39 ° 49 ' 59.5 " W, coll. L. R. C. Lima, 07. x. 2011. General morphology. Encrusting sponge measuring 1 cm de diameter, brown colour. Spicules. Megascleres slightly curved (372 – 468 / 35 – 48 µm), robust, smooth strongyles (Fig. 2 a, b). Microscleres microspined straight, acanthoxeas (78 – 123 / 3 – 6 µm), middle spines (3 – 6 µm) tapered (Fig. 2 c, d). Gemmules are hemispherical raging 384 – 540 µm in diameter (Fig. 2 e). Gemmular theca made by thin layer consisting of spongin, where gemmuloscleres are embedded tangentially (Fig. 2 e).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFA9910FF08FC8177DBE1E4.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Venezuela (Volkmer-Ribeiro & Pauls 2000). Specimens were found on rocky substrate in running waters along with Uruguaya corallioides (Bowerbank, 1863), Corvospongilla seckti Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1966 and Oncosclera navicella (Carter, 1881).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFA9910FF08FC8177DBE1E4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. We provide here, the second record of Drulia cristata for São Francisco River basin, where it was previously recorded for Sergipe State (Volkmer-Ribeiro & Tavares 1995).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFB9917FF08FD197633E2B9.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 1117 (in part), 1118 (in part), 1133 (in part), 1134 (in part), São Francisco River (III), Usina Hidrelétrica Luiz Gonzaga, Petrolândia, Pernambuco, Brazil, 09 ° 08 ' 37.1 " S 38 ° 17 ' 48.9 " W, coll. E. L. R. Lima, 19. v. 2010. General morphology. Encrusting sponge, circular, beige in colour (Fig. 3 a). Surface hispid. Spicules. Megascleres (204 – 360 / 12 – 21 µm) straight to slightly curved smooth oxeas (Fig. 3 b). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres microspined oxeas (63 – 141 / 12 – 15 µm), stout, curved, boomerang-shaped (Fig. 3 c). Gemmules are hemispherical raging 432 – 480 µm in diamenter; gemmuloscleres are embedded tangentially.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFB9917FF08FD197633E2B9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bonetto & Ezcurra 1964, Ezcurra de Drago & Bonetto 1969, Tavares & Volkmer-Ribeiro 1997).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFB9917FF08FD197633E2B9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records of Oncosclera navicella have been made from wide-ranging localities in South America, especially in Brazil where this species is widespread in all regions. The specimens investigated here have remarkable differences in range of dimension of megascleres when we compared those with previous studies (Volkmer-Ribeiro 1970). This has already been observed in Amazon specimens with minute size, which has been described with smaller megascleres in comparison with largest specimens collected in Paraná River, south Brazil (Tavares & Volkmer-Ribeiro 1997).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFC9916FF08FCFD7585E209.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 1300 (in part), São Francisco River (II), Santa Maria da Boa Vista, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 48 ' 31.5 " S 39 ° 49 ' 59.5 " W, coll. L. R. C. Lima, 07. x. 2011. General morphology. Encrusting sponge measuring 1 cm in diameter. Megascleres exclusively stout strongyles straight to slightly curved (201 – 264 / 15 – 24 µm), smooth, rarely slender oxeas (Fig. 4 a, b). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres are granulated strongyles (45 – 96 / 12 – 15 µm), short, stout (Fig. 4 c, d). Gemmules are hemispherical, around 470 µm in diameter, and gemmuloscleres are embedded tangentially.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFC9916FF08FCFD7585E209.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Specimens were found at rocky substrate in running waters: Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bowerbank, 1863, Hinde 1888, Bonetto & Ezcurra 1964, Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago 1969, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Pauls 2000).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFC9916FF08FCFD7585E209.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Uruguaya is a monotypic genus with a restricted geographic range in the Neotropical Region. Uruguaya corallioides has a wide distribution in South America. Furthermore, Brazil has the most number of records for this species, mainly in north and south regions. Prior to the present study, however, it was unknown from northeast region.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFD9914FF08FD3E75A0E34C.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 1095, 1096 (in part), Capibaribe River, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 02 ' 47,4 '' S 34 ° 59 ' 41,9 '' W, coll. G. Nicacio, 24. x. 2009. UFPEPOR 975, 981, 982, 983, coll. G. Nicacio, 12. xii. 2009, UFPEPOR 1347, 1349, coll. U. Pinheiro, 23. v. 2012, Pirangi River, Jaqueira, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 44 ' 53,0 " S 35 ° 48 ' 51,1 " W. UFPEPOR 1144, 1145, 1146, 1147, 1148, 1149, Sirinhaém River, Cortês, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 º 30 ' 6,5 " S 35 º 31 ' 28,6 " W, coll. G. Nicacio, 06. ii. 2011. UFPEPOR 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, Pajeú River, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil, 07 º 58 ' 7 '' S 38 º 19 ' 23,6 '' W, coll. G. Nicacio, 17. vii. 2011. UFPEPOR 1299, Pajeú River, Floresta, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 º 36 ' 23,2 '' S 38 º 34 ' 21,7 '' W, coll. L. R. C. Lima, 10. x. 2011. General morphology. Encrusting sponges, circular, thin or thick. Ranging from 5 to 50 cm in diameter and 0.5 to 3 cm of thickness. The colour is green when found in areas exposed to sunlight or white in sciaphilous habitatd. Surface hispid. Megascleres oxea (204 - 364 / 9 - 18 µm), straight or slightly bent, sparsely microspined at middle of shaft (Fig. 5 a). Microscleres pseudo-birotules of two types, very variable in shape and shaft size: one tiny slender (sometimes erroneously reported as “ isochela ”) with straight, smooth or spiny shaft (12 – 42 µm), rotules deeply cut with irregular number of minute hooks, curved towards the shaft (Fig. 5 b, c). The other are spiny oxeas (33 – 108 / 3 µm), with larger spines at middle of shaft, often at edge some spines may present as hooks forming microrotules (Fig. 5 d). Gemmuloscleres predominantly straight birotules (52 – 78 / 3 – 6 µm), with remarkable variation in length, width, rotules almost flat (18 – 24 µm), borders regularly cut in small to hook-like teeth, shaft with abundant, large, sharp, regular, straight spines (Fig. 5 e). In addition, rare small birotules (57 – 69 / 3 µm) with slender smooth shaft with uncut rotules (9 – 18 µm) (Fig. 5 e-l). Gemmules are hemispherical (460 – 520 µm), often abundant at basal portion and also scattered in the sponge body (Fig. 5 m). Gemmular theca with well-developed pneumatic layer of spongin fibres (without chambers) and gemmuloscleres radially embedded (Fig. 5 n).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFD9914FF08FD3E75A0E34C.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Argentina (Ezcurra de Drago, 1974 a, 2004), Costa Rica (Volkmer-Ribeiro & Machado, 2009), Curaçao, Venezuela (Volkmer-Ribeiro & Pauls, 2000; Debrot & Van Soest, 2001; Manconi & Pronzato, 2005; Volkmer-Ribeiro & Machado, 2007). Specimens were found on rocky substrates in shallow running waters. The green colour is due to symbiosis with green algae, which is common in freshwater sponges when they grow exposed to sunlight (Wilkinson 1980). The thick specimens were found only in sites polluted by waste from sugar cane field in the Sirinhaém River. This may be because that is a favourable habitat for the growth of these sponges since it has a suitable source of organic matter and bacteria (Reiswig 1975). Other specimens were found in wadis in the semi-arid Caatinga region, in which a large number of gemmules were often found and even isolated massive groups of gemmules were collected from the riverbed.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFD9914FF08FD3E75A0E34C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Corvoheteromeyenia is a genus restricted to the Neotropical region with records from Central to South America, where two species, C. australis (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1966) and C. heterosclera are so far known from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Some issues still concern about the taxonomy of these species. Corvoheteromeyenia was erected to assign these species, originally ascribed as members of Corvomeyenia. Microscleres pseudo-birotules and gemmuloscleres birotules present in Corvomeyenia australis and Corvomeyenia heterosclera were the main subsequently revised morphotraits and these species were transferred to Corvoheteromeyenia (Ezcurra de Drago 1979). According to the original description, C. australis was described from small specimens, but these were not housed in any collection and are unavailable for study and comparison (personal communication, Inés Ezcurra de Drago). Furthermore, the author emended the original description later when new features about microscleres length and shape were added to the description of species. When the author compared specimens of the original description to those in the emended description, remarkable differences were noted in gemmuloscleres — such as the number of shaft spines and variability in the shape of rotules. Thus, the authors established that it could not be stated that there were two types of gemmuloscleres according to the species’ original description, and that a new species should be erected (Ezcurra de Drago, 1974 a). However, in spite of these issues about the description of C. australis, Ezcurra de Drago (1974 a) described C. heterosclera as a new species for the genus based on its gemmuloscleres, from material collected on northeast Brazil (Holotype MNHNM 22) and Corrientes, Argentina (Paratypes in MACN and INALI), but these specimens are still not available for study and revision. In this study, we compared a large number of specimens from material studied with the previous descriptions of both species of this genus (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago 1966, Ezcurra de Drago 1974 a, Tavares et al. 2003, Debrot & van Soest 2001, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Machado 2007, 2009, Machado et al. 2012). On this basis we concluded that there are some problems in the taxonomy of this species, where we could not see a clear differentiation between C. australis and C. heterosclera based on gemmuloscleres as proposed in the original description. Considerable variation in size and shape of the gemmuloscleres were observed in all specimens. These issues should be resolved with additional records and redescriptions of these species from the Neotropical Region. A detailed study of material from original localities of these species is required, thus additional efforts are needed to elucidate this problem.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. Holotype: Poço Verde Pond, Orobó, Pernambuco, Brazil, 7 ° 44 ' 10.7 " S 35 ° 32 ' 35.8 " W, UFPEPOR 1733, coll. U. Pinheiro, 17. ix. 2013. Paratype: Poço Verde Pond, Orobó, Pernambuco, Brazil, 7 ° 44 ' 10.7 " S 35 ° 32 ' 35.8 " W, UFPEPOR 1736, coll. U. Pinheiro, 17. ix. 2013. Comparative material: Ipanema River, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil, 9 º 21 ' 52.8 '' S 37 º 15 ' 28.4 '' W, UFPEPOR 1402, coll. G. Nicacio, 15. xii 2012. Poço Verde Pond, Orobó, Pernambuco, Brazil, 7 ° 44 ' 10.7 " S 35 ° 32 ' 35.8 " W, UFPEPOR 1403, 1404, coll. L. R. C. Lima, 29. ix. 2012; UFPEPOR 1737, 1740, 1742, 1744, coll. U. Pinheiro, 17. ix. 2013.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The epithet is related to the type locality, Caatinga Brazilian biome, where specimens were found.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Ephydatia species characterized by birotules as gemmuloscleres with strongly incised rotules and smooth or spined shaft, with secondary spines.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Brazil, Pernambuco, Orobó, Poço Verde Pond (7 ° 44 ' 10.7 " S 35 ° 32 ' 35.8 " W). Holotype UFPEPOR 1733. General morphology. Encrusting sponge with reticulated surface. Measuring 1 cm in thickness and 12 cm in diameter. Green colour (Fig. 6 a). Consistency of live sponge is fragile and brittle, paucispicular skeleton, spongin abundant. Spicules. Megascleres spined or smooth oxeas (267 – 302.2 – 332 / 10 – 14.4 – 17 µm), slender and slightly curved (Fig. 7 a). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres birotules (32 – 40 – 48 / 5 - 7.1 - 8 / 15 - 21.3 – 25 µm), smooth or spined shaft, with secondary spines (spines ornamented by microspines). The rotules are strongly incised (Fig. 7 b). Gemmules scattered, hemispherical, averaging 275 - 351 - 387 µm in diameter. Gemmular theca tri-layered with well-developed pneumatic layer of irregular spongin chambers and gemmuloscleres are radially embedded in the outer and pneumatic layers (Fig. 7 c, d). Comparative material. General morphology. Encrusting sponge with 1 cm thickness and averaging 20 cm in diameter. The colour is green when the sponges are exposed to sunlight and beige in sciaphilous habitats (Fig. 6 b). Spicules are of the same morphology as described in the holotype. Megascleres (250 – 307.8 – 362 / 9 – 13.9 – 18 µm), Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres (32 – 43.8 – 55 / 5 - 7.5 - 10 / 15 - 22.5 – 26 µm). Gemmules averaging 262 - 343 - 450 µm in diameter.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. The new species is so far recorded from Pernambuco and Alagoas states of Brasil. The region where this species was found is characterized by environments with low rainfall and a semi-arid climate. Specimens were collected on rocky substrate and tree trunks in shallow water. Gemmules were often abundant. Green specimens in symbiosis with algae were found living exposed to sunlight.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFFF9918FF08FC3E74EDE1C1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The cosmopolitan genus Ephydatia is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but it is also has scattered records from Southern Hemisphere (Manconi and Pronzato 2007). This supposed wide distribution might be due to the existence of a species-complex suggested for widespread species. From the Neotropical Region there is only one record so far, viz. Ephydatia facunda Weltner, 1895. This species has a supposed widespread distribution from the Caribbean to southern Brazil. Manconi & Pronzato (2005) recorded E. facunda from Cuba and expanded its distribution in South America, previously only known from Brazil. However, the specimens from Cuba have remarkable morphological divergences compared to the Brazilian specimens (De Rosa-Barbosa 1984, Volkmer-Ribeiro et al. 1988, Volkmer- Ribeiro & Tavares 1990, Pinheiro et al. 2004, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Machado 2007). Ephydatia facunda from Cuba is characterized by having minute gemmules and gemmuloscleres smaller than those of the Brazilian specimens (Tab. 1). The main morphological divergence among descriptions of these disjunct populations concerns the remarkable differences of gemmulosclere shape with thin smooth shaft. In fact, notable differences between specimens of E. facunda and their widespread distribution suggest the existence of a speciescomplex. The specimens studied here exhibit morphological differences from the other South American Ephydatia species that justify the proposal of a new species. Compared to Ephydatia facunda, the closest species geographically, it presents a different morphology of the birotule gemmuloscleres. Ephydatia facunda has shallowly incised rotules with the spines on the shaft being simple and sharp, compared to the strongly incised rotules and composite spines in Ephydatia caatingae sp. nov. Additionally, in gemmules, the gemmuloscleres are more densely distributed in Ephydatia facunda than in Ephydatia caatingae sp. nov. (Fig. 7 c, d). Despite the fact that fossil species, Ephydatia chileana Pisera & Sáez, 2003 shared incised rotules with Ephydatia caatingae sp. nov., its spines of the shaft are simple against the composite spines of the new species. Five species of Ephydatia are known from North America: E. fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1758), E. millsii (Potts, 1887), E. mulleri (Lieberkühn, 1855), E. robusta (Potts, 1887), and E. subtilis Weltner, 1895. Among these species, only E. robusta has spines on the shaft of birotules, thus being the closest species to Ephydatia caatingae sp. nov.; however, the spines of the shaft are simple against the composite spines of the new species. Species / Specimens Locality Megasclere Gemmulosclere (*) Values are in µm and expressed as shortest length – mean length – longer length / thinner thickness – mean thickness – widest thickness. where appropriate; (1) Weltner (1895); (2) Gee (1930); (3) De Rosa-Barbosa (1979); (4) Penney & Racek (1968); (5) Pinheiro et al (2004); (6) Manconi & Pronzato (2005); (7) Pisera & Saez (2003); (8) Present Work. Poirrier (1974) experimented with Ephydatia fluviatilis in different enviromental conditions and proposed that this species had a huge ecomorphic variation related to the prevailing habitat. At that time, he proposed E. robusta as synonym of Ephydatia fluviatilis and suggested this species was truly cosmopolitan, drawing attention to the true geographic variation which is usually masked by the high adaptive ecomorphic variation exhibited in its spicules. On the other hand, this recommendation is not being followed, because Poirrier (1982) and van Soest et al. (2015) have considered E. robusta as valid species. It is possible that some species may have an ecomorphic variation that makes it difficult to take a taxonomic decision. However, we can not generalize this feature for all freshwater sponge species that have alleged widespread distributions. Taxonomic works (revisions) and taxonomists of freshwater sponges are scarce, both of which are necessary to solve this problem. For example, Pinheiro (2007) verified that only three species (6 %) of freshwater sponges recorded from Brazil are not endemic to South America (Tubella pennsylvanica (Potts, 1882), Eunapius fragilis (Leidy, 1851) and Heteromeyenia stepanowii (Dybowski, 1884 )), but all of these have few and simple spicules and have not been revised. This low number suggests that species identified as allegedly widespread might be directly related to the paucity of morphological distinctness of characters under study. There is still a difficulty in recognizing species complex and it is possible that certain species can lead to misinterpretation of alleged cosmopolitanism. New experimental works are necessary to find any real clear-cut distinction between ecomorphic variation and speciation in such sponges.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF39918FF08FDAA75D4E769.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 972, 973, 974, coll. G. Nicacio, 12. xii. 2009, UFPEPOR 1344, 1345, coll. U Pinheiro, 23. v. 2012, Pirangi River, Jaqueira, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 44 ' 53,0 " S 35 ° 48 ' 51,1 " W. UFPEPOR 1133, 1134, São Francisco River (III), Petrolândia, Brazil, 09 ° 08 ' 37.1 " S 38 ° 17 ' 48.9 " W, coll. E. L. R. Lima, 19. v. 2010. General morphology. Encrusting sponge measuring 20 cm in diameter and 5 mm thickness (Fig. 8 a). Consistency of live sponge moderately soft, spongin abundant. Colour white, green or grey. Spicules. Megascleres oxeas (195 – 291 / 9 – 18 µm), smooth, fusiform, straight or slightly curved (Fig. 8 b). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres stout spined oxeas (90 – 138 / 6 – 9 µm), almost straight, sharp tips (Fig. 8 c). Gemmules irregular hemispherical shaped averaging 450 µm in diameter, single or grouped, scattered in the sponge body. Gemmuloscleres tangentially embedded and pneumatic layer thick with regular lines of polygonal chambers trabeculae-like of compact spongin (Fig. 8 d, e).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF39918FF08FDAA75D4E769.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Cosmopolitan (Manconi & Pronzato 2008). Specimens were found on rocky substrate in shallow running waters. So far records of Eunapius fragilis indicate that this species is the most cosmopolitan spongillid species, and furthermore the most widely distributed throughout all regions. However, there are issues on the systematics and biogeographical distribution of this species, since most records suggest an existence of a species-complex. Potts (1887) redescribed this species and emended its diagnosis, providing additional morphotraits to help with species’ identifications, but there is still a paucity of morphological characters to unequivocally identify E. fragilis. This difficulty is further confused whereby most records describe this species with two types of gemmuloscleres (oxeas and strongyles), but many other records describe specimens with only one type. This may be the main problematic point about the taxonomy of E. fragilis, which can lead to misinterpretation of its alleged cosmopolitanism.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF39918FF08FDAA75D4E769.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Penney & Racek (1968) made an extensive revision with E. fragilis specimens from many regions worldwide, except from South America. The authors aimed to elucidate some issues about systematics and distribution of this species. They also synonymized many records previously assigned to this species and reallocated them to other genera. Although that work recognizes remarkable morphological divergences, it was not possible to describe new species from these specimens, but authors were aware of the variability as trends of speciation in disjunct populations, and endorsed the need to review some new material to clarify the specific status of this species. Moreover, records of Neotropical E. fragilis require attention and revision, because most lack any suitable morphological descriptions or illustrations (Ezcurra de Drago 1974 b, Volkmer-Ribeiro et al. 1975, Volkmer-Ribeiro 1981, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Grosser 1981, De Rosa Barbosa 1984, Ezcurra de Drago 1993, Batista & Volkmer-Ribeiro 2002).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF4991DFF08F9AF7033E0C4.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 854, coll. G. Nicacio, 12. iii. 2009, UFPEPOR 855, coll. G. Nicacio, 06. viii. 2009, UFPEPOR 897, coll. G. Nicacio, 12. viii. 2009, UFPEPOR 898, coll. G. Nicacio, 02. ix. 2009, UFPEPOR 899, coll. G. Nicacio, 25. ix. 2009, UFPEPOR 933, coll. U. Pinheiro, 23. x. 2009, UFPEPOR 941, coll. U. Pinheiro, 11. xii. 2009, UFPEPOR 1089, coll. G. Nicacio, 01. iv. 2010, Riacho do Prata Stream, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 8 ° 1 ' 9.40 " S 34 ° 56 ' 39.93 " W. General morphology. Encrusting sponge, fleshy, globular shaped ranging 3 – 10 cm in diameter. Consistency of live sponge moderately soft, surface hispid. Caramel colour (Fig. 9 a). Megascleres straight to slightly curved oxeas (276 – 456 / 6 – 15 µm), sparsely microspined (Fig. 9 b). Microscleres sharply pointed oxeas (63 – 102 / 3 – 4 µm), from curved to straight entirely spined with microspines (Fig. 9 c). Gemmuloscleres birotules (51 – 87 µm / 4 – 6 µm), bearing tapered spines on shaft, cut rotules (12 – 21 µm) microspined (Fig. 9 d). Gemmules are hemispherical averaging 540 µm, abundant often at basal portion and scattered in the sponge body. Gemmular theca with welldeveloped pneumatic layer of spongin chambers and gemmuloscleres radially embedded (Fig. 9 e, f).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF4991DFF08F9AF7033E0C4.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil: (Muricy et al. 2011); Argentina (Bonetto & Ezcurra 1964, Ezcurra de Drago 1993). Specimens were found in ponds on artificial substrate in standing waters with Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) as symbionts. This species is widespread in all Brazilian regions.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF6991CFF08FDA57198E12E.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 1297, Pirangi River, Jaqueira, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 44 ' 53,0 " S 35 ° 48 ' 51,1 " W, coll. U. Pinheiro, 23. v. 2012. General morphology. Encrusting sponge thin, surface hispid (Fig. 10 a). Colour green. Consistency of live sponges fragile to moderately soft. Spicules. Megascleres oxeas (210 – 276 / 9 – 12 µm), smooth, straight to slightly curved (Fig. 10 b, c). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres birotules (21 – 30 µm), smooth slender shaft (1,5 – 4 µm), equal rotules (9 – 21 µm) with uncut / entire margins (Fig. 10 d-f). Gemmules are tiny hemispherical averaging 240 µm in diameter and are scattered in the sponge body. Gemmular theca made by thin layer consisting of spongin, where gemmuloscleres are embedded tangentially (Fig. 10 g).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF6991CFF08FDA57198E12E.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011); Argentina (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago 1967 b, Volkmer-Ribeiro & De Rosa-Barbosa 1972). Specimens were found on rocky substrate in running waters.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF79903FF08FE5F7763E2DC.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. MNRJ 15436, São Francisco River (I), Ilha de Assunção, Cabrobó, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 32 ' 25,5 " S 39 ° 26 ' 41,5 " W, coll. J. A Siqueira-Filho, 30. vii. 2011. General morphology. Encrusting sponge measuring 10 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in thickness. Consistency of live sponges very hard and fragile, conspicuous oscula. Colour grey. Spicules. Megascleres strongyles curved (141 – 168 / 30 – 45 µm), small, robust, smooth (Fig. 11 a). Microscleres absent. Gemmuloscleres tiny birotules (15 µm) with smooth stout shaft (6 – 9 µm), equal rotules (15 µm) with uncut / entire margins and a conical projection at the middle (Fig. 11 b). Gemmules are minute hemispherical averaging 360 µm diameter, rare, and scattered in the sponge body (Fig. 11 c, d).	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF79903FF08FE5F7763E2DC.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011). Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Panama (Hinde 1888, Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago 1962, Penney & Racek 1968, Volkmer-Ribeiro & De Rosa-Barbosa 1985). Specimens were commonly found on rocky substrate in running waters.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFF79903FF08FE5F7763E2DC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Although Tubella repens has a widespread distribution in the Neotropical Region, there are still some issues on taxonomic features described in most records of the species. Many Brazilian records describe this species with strongyles, oxeas or both. This misidentification sometimes is related to specimens with other freshwater epibiont sponges commonly found with this species (Hinde 1888, Volkmer-Ribeiro 1969, Volkmer- Ribeiro & De Rosa-Barbosa 1985, Batista et al. 2003, Batista et. al. 2007, Volkmer-Ribeiro et al. 2010, Volkmer- Ribeiro & Parolin et al. 2010). Thus, most recorded specimens should be reexamined to determine whether this species is really widely distributed in South and Central America.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFE89902FF08FCEB70A2E0E9.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. UFPEPOR 943, coll. Nicacio, 12. xii. 2009, UFPEPOR 951, coll. G. Nicacio, 11. i. 2010, UFPEPOR 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, coll. U. Pinheiro, 26. ii. 2010, UFPEPOR 1088, 1090, 1099, coll. G. Nicacio, 01. iv. 2010, Riacho do Prata Stream, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 1 ' 9.40 " S, 34 ° 56 ' 39.93 " W. UFPEPOR 892, 893, 894, 895, 1098, 1103, 1141, Gameleira Stream, Reserva Biológica Saltinho, Tamandaré, Pernambuco, Brazil, 08 ° 43 ' 21,6 " S 35 ° 11 ' 14,0 " W, coll. L. R. C. Lima, 09. x. 2009. General morphology. Encrusting thin sponges. Colour beige and green. Consistency of live sponges fragile to moderately soft (Fig. 12 a). Spicules. Megascleres predominantly straight to slightly curved, robust, smooth oxeas (150 – 288 / 6 – 12 Μm) (Fig. 12 b). Microscleres absent. Gemmules are minute hemispherical averaging 260 Μm in diameter, scattered in the sponge body (Fig. 12 c, d). Gemmuloscleres birotules (9 – 11 Μm), slender shaft (3 Μm), unequal rotules (6 – 15 Μm), inner rotules are circular and outer rotules corolla shaped (Fig. 12 e). Gemmular theca made by thin layer consisting of spongin, where gemmuloscleres are embedded radially.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
0381878FFFE89902FF08FCEB70A2E0E9.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecological notes. Brazil (Muricy et al. 2011). Argentina, Costa Rica (Ezcurra de Drago 1993, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Machado 2009). Specimens were collected in lentic waters from concrete substrate. This species is widespread in the Neotropical Region and commonly found in all Brazilian regions.	en	Nicacio, Gilberto, Pinheiro, Ulisses (2015): Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics. Zootaxa 3981 (2): 220-240, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.2.4
