Family Desmacellidae Ridley & Dendy, 1886

Abstract

Desmacellidae (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) are poecilosclerids lacking chelae, a feature shared with the closely related families Hamacanthidae and Merliidae. Desmacellidae are distinguished from these families by the lack of diancistra-like microscleres. Noticeable in this group is a preponderance of toxic or dermatitis-producing sponges. Six valid genera are included in the Desmacellidae, viz., Biemna, Desmacella, Dragmatella, Microtylostylifer, Neofibularia and Sigmaxinella. Nominal genera Allantophora and Toxemna are considered junior synonyms of Biemna. Tylodesma, Tylosigma, Sigmotylotella and Sigmatoxella are junior synonyms of Desmacella. Hallmannia is a junior synonym of Microtylostylifer. Fibularia is a senior synonym of Neofibularia, but is preoccupied. Sigmaxia is considered a junior synonym of Sigmaxinella.