unknown Megamorina
new species
The specimen shown here apparently represents a new species and probably also a new family of the suborder Megamorina (ZITTEL, 1878). Only two specimens, quite similar in size and shape, are known to date.
The new sponge has a very characteristic habit, resembling a tree stump. It has no roots, but instead is resting on about 10 toe-like processes at its base. The top of the sponge is almost flat, only slightly convex.
Viewed from below, the sponge resembles a flower blossom, with some 10 marginally overlapping petals. The wall thickness of the sponge increases from about 5 mm at the end of the processes, to about 10 mm in its center.
In the unetched specimen, no major pores are recognizable. However, the second known specimen shows several mm-sized pores scattered over the flat apex.
The megaclones resemble those of Doryderma species, but appear to be less intertwined. There are also long-shafted dermal prodichotriaenes, which occur both, single and in sheaves. Finally, numerous micloscleres (amphioxes) which apear to to be propriatory to this sponge (and not extraneous) are visible under the binoculars. The outward directed dichotriaenes may cause a very faint radial structure, recognizable on the upper surface of the sponge.