A review of Iophonidae, Myxillidae and Tedaniidae occurring in the South East Pacific (Porifera: Poecilosclerida)

Abstract

A review of Iophonidae, Myxillidae and Tedaniidae occurring in the South East Pacific (Porifera: Poecilosclerida).-Based on collections from the coasts of Chile, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands, the SE. Pacific species of Iophon, Myxilla and Tedania are revised. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for eleven previously known species (including thirteen new synonymy proposals). Six new species are described: tophon chilense, I. timidum, I. tubiforme, Myxilla (E.) dracula, M. (B.) asymmetrica, and Tedania (T.) galapagensis. A key for the identification of the species is included. The results of this study provided the basis for a revised classification of related genera and a new family assignment of Iophon, Myxilla and Tedania. In accordance with suggestions in the recent literature Iophon is assigned to the revived family Iophonidae Burton, 1929 of the suborder Microcionina Hajdu et al., 1994. Myxilla and Tedania are assigned to different families of the suborder Myxillina, viz. a restricted Myxillidae Topsent, 1928 and Tedaniidae Ridley & Dendy, 1886 both of the suborder Myxillina Hajdu et al., 1994. It is demonstrated that the Myxilla-like genera Burtonanchora de Laubenfels, 1936, Ectyomyxilla Lundbeck, 1909 and Stelodoryx Topsent, 1904, are based on characters without phylogenetic significance. It is proposed to retain these as subgeneric units within Myxilla. On similar grounds, Trachytedania Ridley, 1881 and Tedaniopsis Dendy, 1924, are considered subgenera of Tedania. Diagnosis and generic composition of the families are discussed.