taxonID	type	description	language	source
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS Thorectid sponges are Dictyoceratida with an anastomosing skeleton of concentrically laminat- ed primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary, fibres. Primary fibres have an axial, granular pith, which may extend into secondary fibres. The pith is not sharply disjunct from the investing spongin fibre but rather merges into it. Foreign material is often incorporated as a core within the fibres, obscuring the fibre pith when coring material is abundant. The anastomosing fibre skeleton is regular and often rectangular in arrangement. Fibres range in form, from simple fibres to strong, complex fascicles. Primary fibres may be reduced, and are absent in one genus. Zones of disjunction between successive fibrous layers remain tightly adherent, producing an overall homogeneous structure with visible contiguous laminae. Thorectids do not possess the fine filaments seen in sponges of the family Irciniidae. They have small, spherical and diplodal choanocyte chambers. The cortex may be armoured with foreign material; when not armoured, the surface is always coarsely to microconulose. The Thorectidae comprises twenty-one genera, Cacospongia Schmidt, 1862, Hyrtios Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864, Phyllospongia Ehlers, 1870, Carteriospongia Hyatt, 1877, Taonura Carter, 1882, Aplysinopsis Lendenfeld, 1888, Thorecta Lendenfeld, 1888, Thorectandra Lendenfeld, 1889, Luffariella Thiele, 1899, Fasciospongia Burton, 1934, Dactylospongia Bergquist, 1965, Smenospongia Wiedenmayer, 1977, Fascaplysinopsis Bergquist, 1980, Fenestraspongia Bergquist, 1980, Lendenfeldia Bergquist, 1980, Strepsichordaia Bergquist, Ayling & Wilkinson, 1988, Collospongia Bergquist, Cambie & Kernan, 1990, Petrosaspongia Bergquist, 1995, Candidaspongia Bergquist, Sorokin & Karuso (1999), Scalarispongia n. gen., Semitaspongia n. gen. These genera occur throughout the world, with the exception of polar seas. The family Thorectidae was erected by Bergquist (1978) to separate those taxa with laminated fibres and diplodal choanocyte chambers, from what are now recognized as spongiid taxa, characterized by homogenous (unlaminated) fibres. A group of three genera within the Thorectidae, Ircinia Nardo, 1833, Psammocinia Lendenfeld, 1889 and Sarcotragus Schmidt, 1862, were characterized by the presence of fine filaments in addition to the fibre skeleton. Bergquist & Wells (1983) suggest- ed that on the basis of the fine filaments and terpene chemistry, a discrete family may need to be established for these three genera. Hooper & Wiedenmayer (1994) reassigned all thorectid taxa, including these three genera, to Irciniidae. This was rectified by Bergquist (1995) who separated this distinct group of filament-bearing genera from the Thorectidae and referred it to the family Irciniidae (Gray, 1867).	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	description	Genus Cacospongia Schmidt, 1862 (Figs 1 A, B; 2 A, B)	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	materials_examined	TYPE SPECIES. — Cacospongia mollior Schmidt, 1862 by subsequent designation (Laubenfels de 1936). TYPE MATERIAL. — Lectotype Landesmuseum Johanneum at Graz, LMJG 15405 (dry).	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS Massive, low sponges, with an unarmoured surface. The sponge surface is finely and evenly conulose, and externally Cacospongia resembles Spongia. However, because of the harsh, brittle nature of the stratified fibres and the relative paucity of fibres as compared to Spongia species, Cacospongia is easily torn, and thus should never be confused in the field with Spongia, which is tough and elastic. The skeleton comprises relatively fine, concentrically laminated, primary and secondary fibres. Primary fibres are cored, and may form slight fascicles, usually near the sponge surface; secondary fibres are uncored. A granular pith is visible in primary fibres, where it is not obscured by the coring material, and sometimes extend into the secondary fibres. The secondary reticulum is well-developed, relative to primary fibres, branching and irregular (Fig. 1 A). The consistency is soft to firm, compressible and is easily torn. There is low to moderate collagen deposition in the ectosome, and surrounding larger canals within the mesohyl (Fig. 1 B). No holotype has previously been designated for C. mollior, thus LMJG 15405 is here designated as lectotype. This is one of three specimens from Lesina (LMJG 15048 and LMJG 15411 paralectotypes), the locality mentioned by Schmidt (1862) in his original description. A specimen of C. mollior was among those presented by the Schmidt collection where only whole, dry Schmidt to Bowerbank at the BMNH and a specimens are figured. We have examined two hand section of this “ Adratic ” specimen remains other slides of C. mollior, BMNH 1910.1.1.2467 in the Bowerbank collection, BWK 1224 from the Norman collection (Fig. 2 B), and (Fig. 2 A). This specimen gives a better indicationanother from a slide-series in the Topsent collec- of skeletal characters than can be found in the tion of the Strasbourg Museum (Fig. 1 A). We Desqueyroux-Faundez & Stone 1992 work on have also examined and sectioned BMNH A B C D 1877.5.21.315, a small, dry fragment from the Bowerbank collection, and BMNH 1883. 12.4.28, a specimen fragment in alcohol. The former is a species of Cacospongia, probably mollior, though is it difficult to be absolutely certain given the condition of the specimen. The latter specimen is C. mollior. A third specimen, BMNH 1867.7.26.2, was also examined and sectioned. This was not Cacospongia, but appeared to be what Schmidt (1862) originally understood as Ditela. The specimen had Spongia - like secondary fibres which dominated the fibre skeleton, plus a very fine fibre reticulum, restricted to the surface regions of the sponge. In addition, we have examined a number of recently collected mollior specimens from the Mediterranean (Niolon, Portofino, Tunisia).	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This is the only species of Cacospongia known from New Zealand, but it has not been recorded since its original description. Genus Scalarispongia n. gen.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	description	Cacospongia serta (Lendenfeld, 1888) n. comb. (Figs 1 E, F; 2 C, D) (Fig. 1 C, D)	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	materials_examined	TYPE SPECIES. — Cacospongia scalaris Schmidt, 1862. Stelospongia serta Lendenfeld, 1888: 163; 1889: 489, LECTOTYPE. — Landesmuseum Johanneum at Graz, pl. 29, fig. 6, pl. 30, fig. 9. LMJG 15405 (dry). HOLOTYPE. — Natural History Museum (London) No holotype has previously been designated for BMNH 1886.8.27.166. Cacospongia scalaris and no collection location other MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Port Chalmers. Otago, shal- than Adriatic was given by Schmidt (1862). This low water, 45 ° 49.6 ’ S, 170 ° 37.4 ’ E, 1886, SDCC / - makes the choice of a lectotype from among Schmidt’s NZ 076 (BMNH 1886.8.27.166 (fragment of type )). specimens in the LMJG problematic. We have selected LMJG 15416 because it has the best locality data DISTRIBUTION. — Only known from the type locality. (Zara, Sebenicio). Two other specimens in the same collection, LMJG 15409 and LMJG 15410, also from DIAGNOSIS Zara, are designated paralectotypes. Another specimen labelled C. scalaris LMJG 15406 is almost certainly Lendenfeld’s (1888) diagnosis not C. scalaris, and LMJG 15475 carries no locality “ Lobose, massive, irregular sponges, which attain data and is worthless. a maximum diameter of 160 mm. The continuous Among Adriatic specimens given by Schmidt to surface is covered with very small conuli 0.4 mm Bowerbank was one labelled Cacospongia scalaris now high and 1.2 mm apart. The oscula, which mea- BWK represented 1223 by (Fig a slide. 2 C). in This the gives Bowerbank an excellent collection depicsure 1.4 mm in width, are scattered chiefly over the tion of skeletal features. prominent parts. Light brown colour in spirit ”. A We have also examined an uncatalogued slide of fragment of the type specimen examined by the Scalarispongia scalaris from the Natural History authors is very pale grey externally. Museum (London) (Fig. 2 D), and another from a slide-series in the Topsent collection of the Strasbourg Museum (Fig. 1 E). In addition, a number of freshly Skeleton collected specimens from the Mediterranean (Niolon, A relatively fine network of concentrically lami- Portofino, Elba) were made available for study. nated primary and secondary fibres. Primary ETYMOLOGY. — This new genus name Scalarispongia fibres are cored with foreign inclusions and sec- n. gen., based on the Latin word scalaris, simply means ondary fibres are clear. Secondary fibres are well- ladder sponge, for the regular, often rectangular fibre developed, branching and irregular, as is skeleton of these species. As an aside, the similar Latin characteristic of the genus. The skeleton is punc- word scalarius refers to the men who looked after the ladders in the Roman fire brigades. tuated by single or small groups of large sand grains. Primary fibres may form slight fascicles in the subsurface region. Primary fibres are DIAGNOSIS 87 µm in diameter (49 - 155 µm, n = 9) and sec- Massive sponges, forming regular to irregular, ondary fibres are 30 µm in diameter (19 - 49 µm, pads or cushions. The surface is unarmoured, and n = 29). covered with fine to coarse conules. The skeleton comprises a spongin fibre reticulum of concentri- Histology cally laminated primary and secondary fibres, The diplodal choanocyte chambers are spherical to arranged in a regular, ladder-like pattern oval, and are 31 µm in diameter (42 - 63 µm, n = 20). (Fig. 1 E). The meshes of the skeletal reticulum There is a subdermal band of collagen, and minor are often, though not always, precisely rectangudeposits scattered through the mesohyl. lar, with secondary fibres forming almost perfect right angles to primary fibres. Primary fibres are to the new genus Scalarispongia diagnosed above, cored with foreign material and secondary fibres but is distinguished by its enhanced collagen are clear. Primary fibres do not form fascicles but deposition and the comparatively irregular skelein one of the slides examined (ex-Topsent collec- tal reticulum. tion), some secondary fibres formed light webbing, rather than discrete secondary fibres, between the primary fibres. The mesohyl is mod- Semitaspongia incompta n. sp. erately and evenly infiltrated with collagen (Fig. 3) (Fig. 1 F). This new genus is typified by the wellknown species described by Schmidt (1862) as HOLOTYPE. — Hauraki Gulf. Maori Island, Leigh, Cacospongia scalaris. 36 ° 17.7 ’ S, 174 ° 49.0 ’ E, 17 2. I. 1993, m, NMNZ POR 459 (= SDCC / NZ 031).	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	description	PARATYPE. — Hauraki Gulf. Maori Island, Leigh, Semitaspongia n. gen. 36 ° 17.7 ’ S, 174 ° 49.0 ’ E, 17 m, 2. I. 1993, SDCC / (Fig. 3) NZ 026. — Taranga (Hen Island), ° 35 58.1 ’ S, 174 ° 44.8 ’ E, 12 - 15 m, 8. XII. 1992, SDCC / NZ 030.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	materials_examined	TYPE SPECIES. — Semitaspongia incompta n. sp. ETYMOLOGY. — The species name reflects the untidy HOLOTYPE. — Hauraki Gulf. Maori Island, Leigh, or scruffy appearance of this species, with its emergent 36 ° 17.7 ’ S, 174 ° 49.0 ’ E, 17 m, 2. I. 1993, NMNZ fibres, and irregularly fleshed and unfleshed fibre POR 459 (= SDCC / NZ 031). skeleton. ETYMOLOGY. — The name Semitaspongia is based on DISTRIBUTION. — This species is only known from the type locality and Taranga (Hen Island). semita, a Latin word for footpath. The same word was employed more loosely by poets, who used it to refer to tracks in the sky. Hence Semitaspongia literally DIAGNOSIS means footpath or track sponge, referring to the foot- A low, massive species, forming a highly irregular path-like tracks of choanocyte chambers in the meso- pad, comprising living tissue and exposed fibre hyl. network, which may be in the ratio of 1 / 1 in some specimens. The surface has numerous, fine to	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS coarse conules, with long dendritic emergent ter- Massive sponges, forming regular to irregular minal fibres. Thin ridges of pinacoderm are pads, blunt fingers or lobes, or cushions. The sur- stretched between some adjacent conules on face is conulose and unarmoured. The skeleton coarsely conulose specimens. The exposed fibre consists of an irregular to regular reticulum of reticulum is an internal feature as well, where concentrically laminated primary and secondary apparently solid areas of sponge have internal pockfibres. Primary fibres are cored and secondary ets of unfleshed fibre skeleton. The sponge is soft fibres are clear. Primary fibres may be slightly fas- to moderately firm, and compressible. Colour is cicular, typically just beneath the cortex. A cen- light to medium grey externally and light grey to tral pith is visible in primary fibres, though it brownish grey internally. Fibres are light to may be obscured where fibres are cored, and can medium golden brown. All three specimens are c. sometimes be seen extending into secondary 60 - 80 mm in diameter × 5 - 20 mm thick. fibres. The consistency is soft to firm, compressible and is easily torn. There is moderate to abun- Skeleton dant collagen deposition in these species, Comprised of concentrically laminated primary typically in subdermal regions, around individual and secondary fibres. The skeleton is unusual, canals and canal beds, and in some cases it may ranging from an occasional regular and rectanguconstitute up to 40 % of the mesohyl volume. In lar reticulum, of low to moderate density, to the some species, the choanocyte chambers are more typical tangled, relatively high density netarranged in tracks or in single file through col- work. Primary fibres are axially to fully cored, and lagenous deposits (Fig. 3 F). This genus is closestsecondary fibres are uncored. Pith is visible in primary, and some secondary fibres. In places, fibres form complex, tangled fascicles, and vary greatly in diameter. Primary fibres are 194 µm in diameter (87 - 825 µm, n = 34) and secondary fibres are 78 µm in diameter (29 - 146 µm, n = 28). Histology The choanocyte chambers are diplodal, and spherical to oval in shape. They are loosely scattered throughout the mesohyl, and in some places arranged in tracks through beds of collagen. Choanocyte chambers are 29 µm in diameter (23 - 39 µm, n = 21). The mesohyl is heavily impregnated with collagen.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C153F80694388F9BCDE04FCE0.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Typically irregular and unkempt, which may contribute to it being overlooked. An untidy looking species, which is readily distinguishable.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	description	(Fig. 4)	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	materials_examined	HOLOTYPE. — Canyons. Goat Island, Leigh, Northland, 36 ° 16.3 ’ S, 174 ° 47.7 ’ E, 10 m, 1. VIII. 1992, C. N. Battershill, NMNZ POR 457 (= SDCC / NZ 081). PARATYPES. — Canyons. Goat Island, Leigh, Northland, 36 ° 16.3 ’ S, 174 ° 47.7 ’ E, 12 m, 1. VIII. 1992, C. N. Battershill, SDCC / NZ 080. — Leigh Harbour, Northland, 36 ° 17.7 ’ S, 174 ° 48.9 ’ E, 10 - 15 m, 1. VIII. 1992, C. N. Battershill, SDCC / NZ 078.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	etymology	ETYMOLOGY. — The name glebosa refers to this species resemblance to clods of earth, from the Latin gleb, clod of earth.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	distribution	DISTRIBUTION. — Recorded only from the vicinity Leigh, Northland, in 10 - 15 metres of water, encrusting vertical rock walls.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS An encrusting species, forming a low, irregular pad, firmly attached to the substratum. The surface is conulose and slightly undulating. SDCC / NZ 078 has two small turrets, 2 - 7 mm high, each with a small terminal oscule, ≤ 2 mm in diameter, otherwise, there are no visible oscules. This species is dark brownish grey externally and light brown greyish brown internally. Fibres are dark and are clearly visible within the pale matrix. The consistency is soft and compressible. The holotype is 65 mm × 55 mm × 5 - 12 mm thick. Paratypes are 75 mm × 45 mm × 5 - 10 mm thick (SDCC / NZ 080) and 70 mm × 2 5 - 5 0 mm × 5 - 1 2 mm thick (SDCC / NZ 078). Skeleton A moderately dense network of primary and secondary fibres. Fibres are concentrically laminat- ed in cross-section and often a dark axial pith is visible, particularly in primary fibres, and sometimes extending into secondary fibres. Primary fibres can form loose, tangled groups of coalescing fibres, and are axially to fully cored with foreign sponge spicules and debris; they may also show light fascicles. A small amount of scattered interstitial detritus, mainly sponge spicules may be present. Secondary fibres may form ladders between primary fibres or branch before connecting with primary fibres, and rarely, may contain some axial coring. Primary fibres are 126 µm in diameter (68 - 262 µm, n = 61). Secondary fibres are 60 µm in diameter (29 - 184 µm, n = 51). Histology The diplodal choanocyte chambers are spherical to oval, and are 34 µ m in diameter (23 - 44 µ m, n = 56). A marked layer of collagen is evident dermally, and there is heavy deposition around larger canals, groups of canals and foreign material within the mesohyl. Choanocyte chambers can be observed embedded within the collagen, arranged in lines or in small blocks. of	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Another inconspicuous species, characterized by its simple, encrusting form and conulose surface. This species would be difficult to identify in the field, and could easily be confused with other dictyoceratid species, e. g. Ircinia, of similar form. However, this problem is easily solved once histological slides have been made and examined. Semitaspongia nigrachorda n. sp. ing attached at several points. The surface is finely (Fig. 5) conulose, with single or multiple terminal emergent fibres. Pores are irregularly scattered on the under-	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	materials_examined	HOLOTYPE. — Poor Knights. 35 ° 28.5 ’ S, 174 ° 44.5 ’ E, surface of the holotype, and there is one small clus- 10 - 15 m, 25. V. 1983, J. Fromont, NMNZ POR 456 (= SDCC / NZ 159). ter of pores on one side of the upper surface. There are a number of other invertebrates growing on the	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	etymology	ETYMOLOGY. — The species name highlights this sponge surface, including an encrusting bryozoan species black-lined appearance where the skeletal reticulum is visible externally on the holotype. and two dendroceratid sponges. Colour is light brownish grey throughout. Fibres range in colour	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	distribution	DISTRIBUTION. — Only known from the type locality. from light brownish grey to dark brown. They are visible at the surface in places, where they resemble	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	description	DESCRIPTION fine, dark-coloured veins. Its consistency is moder- A low, massive species, forming an irregular pad, ately soft and compressible. The holotype is most of which is raised off the substratum, remain- 130 mm × 35 - 75 mm and 15 - 50 mm high. Skeleton stretched between adjacent conules, forming a An irregular, moderate density skeleton of coarse network of ridges, producing an irregular geoprimary and secondary fibres. Primary fibres are metric pattern. The sponge has a number of low strongly laminated, with a marked pith; they may conical turrets scattered over the upper surface contain foreign debris, mainly sponge spicules, as and sides; some turrets appear merely as slight an axial core, but most are clear of inclusions. extensions of the coarsely conulose surface. Each Primary fibres may also form fascicles. Secondary of the turrets bears a single terminal oscule. Pores fibres attach directly to primary fibres, or branch, (≤ 1 mm in diameter) are abundant and scattered sometimes becoming entangled, such that the over the sponge, particularly around the sides. distinction between primary and secondary fibres On the surface there are patches of emergent may not always be clear. Secondary fibres are fibres, either single or branched. The pinacoderm uncored. Primary fibres are 631 µm in diameter is translucent and the sponge is soft, compressible (291 - 970 µm, n = 12) and secondary fibres are and fleshy. Colour both internally and externally 184 µm in diameter (97 - 291 µm, n = 9). is light greyish brown to pinkish grey. Fibres are light straw to light golden brown, and the oscular Histology rim may be slightly darker coloured. These The diplodal choanocyte chambers are spherical sponges were distinctly slimy when collected. to oval, and 29 µm in diameter (26 - 31 µm, The holotype is 135 mm long × 75 mm wide × n = 20). There is a band of collagen ectodermally, 70 mm high; the paratype is 125 mm long around larger canals within the sponge matrix × 65 mm wide × 60 mm high. and often around skeletal fibres. Of the five new species described here, this sponge has the least Skeleton amount of collagen in the mesohyl. The fibre skeleton of concentrically laminated primary and secondary fibres, is regularly to	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	discussion	REMARKS irregularly disposed. Primary fibres are axially to This species is characterised by its coarse, some- fully cored, usually with sponge spicules, but also what irregular fibre skeleton, along with the dark with fine sand and grit; the fibre coring obscures fibres on a pale background, and its irregular, the fibre pith. Secondary fibres are generally upright form. uncored, though irregular, partial coring may be seen and these fibres may branch. The fibre pith is visible extending into some secondary fibres. Primary fibres are 146 µm in diameter (97 - Semitaspongia pulvinata n. sp. 243 µm, n = 30) and secondary fibres are 87 µm (Fig. 6) in diameter (58 - 126, n = 16 µm). These two specimens were originally kept as a single sample. 3	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	materials_examined	HOLOTYPE km east. of — Little Hauraki Barrier Gulf Island. Stn G, 20 11 m (“ Ikatere, NMNZ ”), Histological sections were taken from both POR 454 (= SDCC / NZ 156), pieces. They were subsequently considered to be separate specimens, rather than two pieces of the PARATYPE. — Hauraki Gulf. Stn G 11 (“ Ikatere ”), 3 km east of Little Barrier Island, 20 m, SDCC / NZ 251. same specimen. Unfortunately it is unknown which of the two specimens the histological sec-	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	distribution	DISTRIBUTION. — Only known from the type locality, tions figured represent. in the Hauraki Gulf. ETYMOLOGY. — The species name for this sponge, pul- Histology vinata reflects its resemblance to a cushion or pillow. Choanocyte chambers are spherical to oval, diplodal, and are 31 µm in diameter (21 - 39 µm,	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS n = 21). The mesohyl of this species comprises at A massive, compact species. The surface is irregu- least 30 - 40 % collagen, with distinct concentralar, varying from very finely to coarsely papillose, tions around canals, canal beds and surrounding to conulose. In coarse areas, the pinacoderm is foreign organisms living within the mesohyl. D, fibre skeleton; E, histological detail. Scale bars: 500 µm. Collagen also dominates the surface regions, giving this species its fleshy appearance. The choanosome is arranged in blocks, and choanocyte chambers do not form tracks through collagen deposits as seen in other species.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1536806D41B3FC0ADCF6F907.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This species is well characterized by its massive, cushion-like form, fleshy appearance and compressible texture, and in terms of its histology, by the high density of collagen deposition within the mesohyl.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1532806F425FFA84D84BFBE1.taxon	materials_examined	HOLOTYPE. — Poor Knights Islands. 35 ° 28.5 ’ S, 174 ° 44.5 ’ E, VI. 1981, NMNZ POR 458 (= SDCC / NZ 145).	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1532806F425FFA84D84BFBE1.taxon	etymology	ETYMOLOGY. — The specific name of this sponge reflects the humped form of the type specimen, which bears a strong resemblance to the two-humped Bactrian camels, indigenous to the Mongolian region. This central Asian area was once part of an area called Bactria.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1532806F425FFA84D84BFBE1.taxon	distribution	DISTRIBUTION. — Only known from the type locality.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1532806F425FFA84D84BFBE1.taxon	diagnosis	DIAGNOSIS This sponge is a massive low pad, with short, blunt fingers expanding out from the main body. The surface is densely covered with fine conules, some of which have emergent terminal fibres, that are simple or dendritically branched. Groups of very small pores are irregularly dispersed over the sponge surface. Approximately 70 - 80 % of the base is attached to the substratum, with a central area raised up from the substratum. The consistency is moderately soft and compressible. Externally the sponge is brownish purplegrey, fading to cream basally. Internally the sponge is cream. This specimen has a number of bryozoan and hydrozoan epibionts. The holotype is 90 mm long × 35 - 65 mm wide × 25 - 35 mm high. Skeleton A moderate density, relatively regular skeleton of strongly laminated primary and secondary fibres. Primary fibres are irregularly and axially cored, sometimes heavily and sometimes only lightly, and may form tangled fascicles. Some fibres, seen in section, appear to have a distinct inner and outer region. Secondary fibres are partially cored. It may be difficult to distinguish between primary and secondary fibres, owing to the presence of fascicles. A central pith is visible in primary fibres, though obscured where fibres are cored, and can sometimes be seen extending into secondary fibres. There are patches of foreign sponge spicules embedded in the mesohyl, but these are not distributed regularly. Primary fibres are 146 µm in diameter (58 - 340 µm, n = 25); secondary fibres are 68 µm in diameter (29 - 116 µm, n = 14). Histology The choanocyte chambers are diplodal and mostly spherical in shape. They are 26 µm in diameter (21 - 34 µm, n = 30), and some are arranged in single-file rows. There is moderate to heavy collagen deposition, primarily at the surface, but also around the larger canals and canal beds. In all sections, collagen comprises 30 - 40 % of the mesohyl.	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
03C01C0C1532806F425FFA84D84BFBE1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The external features of this sponge are reminiscent of Spongia and Cacospongia, though when the internal structure is examined histologically, its affiliations to Scalarispongia n. gen. are clear. This is the only species of Semitaspongia n. gen. with a lobate form. Five new species of Semitaspongia n. gen. are described above. A key has been devised to assist in identifying these species, though it should be used alongside the full species descriptions and plates. 1 a. Small fistules or turrets ........................................................................................ 2 1 b. Without fistules or turrets .................................................................................... 3 2 (1) a. Forms large, soft, fleshy lumps .......................................................... pulvinata 2 b. Low, pad-like form ...................................................................................... glebosa 3 (1) a. Regular, compact form, with numerous, very fine conules ................ bactriana 3 b. Irregular form ...................................................................................................... 4 4 (3) a. Very irregular, scruffy and somewhat hairy or bristly .......................... incompta 4 b. Irregular, but not bristly; dark fibres may be visible through pinacoderm ................ .................................................................................................................... nigrachorda	en	de, Steve, Bergquist, Patricia R. (2000): Two new genera and five new species of the “ Cacospongia ” group (Porifera, Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida). Zoosystema 22 (2): 383-400, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5392991
