Sponges from African inland waters: The genus Eunapius (Haplosclerida, Spongillina, Spongillidae)

Authors: Manconi, Renata; Murgia, Stefania; Pronzato, Roberto

Source: Fundamental and Applied Limnology / Archiv für Hydrobiologie, Volume 170, Number 4, January 2008 , pp. 333-350(18)

Publisher: E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $39.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Biodiversity was assessed and a synthesis on sponges belonging to the genus Eunapius from African inland waters was performed, with detailed descriptions, geographic distribution, ecological notes and a diagnostic key. The gemmular trait "network of spongin fibers in the inner portion of the gemmular theca" discovered by the SEM analysis is here reported for the first time in four species of the genus. A comparative analysis was made, based on a critical revision of original descriptions, recent investigations on materials from historical collections, and recent samplings. Eight taxa are here reported, namely the widespread Eunapius carteri and E. fragilis, and the African endemics E. aetheriae, E. ambiguus, E. carteri saharensis, E. michaelseni, E. nitens and Eunapius sp. The genus Eunapius is, among Spongillidae, the most common and widespread in Africa in North Africa, Sahara and Sub-Sahara up to South Africa and Namibia. Habitats range from extremely isolated waters in deserts to swamps, perennial rivers and lakes in highlands and coastal areas.

Keywords: AFRICA; FRESHWATER; PORIFERA; EUNAPIUS; NEW MORPHO-TRAIT; TAXONOMY; BIOGEOGRAPHY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1127/1863-9135/2008/0170-0333

Publication date: 2008-01-01

More about this publication?

Volumes prior to vol. 168 were published under the previous title Archiv f�r Hydrobiologie.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Submit a Paper
Subscribe to this Title
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites