Pinheiro, U.S.; Hajdu, E.; Correa, M.D. (2004). First description of gemmules of Ephydatia facunda Weltner, 1895 (Porifera, Haplosclerida, Spongillidae) by scanning electron microscopy, with underwater observations of a large population from north-eastern Brazil. Journal of Natural History. 38 (9): 1071-1080.

152686

10.1080/0022293031000064404 [view]

Pinheiro, U.S.; Hajdu, E.; Correa, M.D.

2004

38 (9): 1071-1080

Publication

Available for editors   [request]

A redescription of Ephydatia facunda Weltner, 1895 is offered here, with the first description of gemmules from a tropical specimen, on the basis of underwater observation of a large population at River Niquim (Barra de SaoMiguel, Alagoas, Brazil). Micrometric values obtained for the spicule complement in the Alagoas’ specimens are rather close to those obtained before for the holotype, from Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil ), suggesting the existence of relatively efficient mechanisms to allow the maintenance of a genetic flux between populations which appear to be isolated along the coastal region of Brazil. The separate specific status of E. facunda and E. ramsayi Haswell, 1882 is further supported in view of the former’s very soft and fragile consistency, opposed to the moderately hard and firm habit of the latter; as well as in view of biogeographic unlikelihood, namely absence of a mechanism to explain any intercrossing between Australian and South-American populations.

America, South

Systematics, Taxonomy

Porifera

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