NO. 1 DICKINSON : SPONGES OF GULF OF CALIFORNIA 21 



Family Raspailiidae Hentschel 



Genus HEMEGTYON Topsent 



Hemectyon hyle de Laubenfels 



Plate 31, Figs. 61, 62; Plate 32, Figs. 63, 64 



Hymectyon hyle de Laubenfels, 1930, p. 28. 



Diagnosis. — This species has the characteristic ramose shape of the 

 family. The echinating spicules are unusual-looking acanthostyles 12 /* by 

 180 /x and larger with only the sharp ends spined; coring spicules, styles 

 averaging 18 ji by 480 /i,, also some strongyles somewhat shorter, and 

 rhaphids about 2 /a by 250 ju,. There are some very long, thin spicules 

 present which are so broken that their length cannot be determined. 



Holotype. — U.S.N.M. 



Type locality. — Point Fermin, California. 



Material examined. — 

 Sta. 559-36 Isla Partida 3- 9-36 90 m 



Sta. 618-37 San Jaime Bank 3-3-37 150 m 



Sta. 751-37 Los Frailes Bay 4-4-37 30 m 



Remarks. — The Gulf specimens of the species show considerable vari- 

 ation of spicule size, tending on the whole to have larger spicules than the 

 specimens reported from southern California. 



Hemectyon hymani, new species 

 Plate 33, Figs. 65, 66 



Diagnosis. — ^This is a very beautiful, fan-shaped species. It is lacelike 

 in appearance, and characteristic specimens are about 45 cm square and 

 not over 3 or 4 mm thick at any point. It is rather stiff and woody in 

 texture, and the surface is slightly hispid to the touch. The color in alcohol 

 is light drab, almost white. Pores and oscules are not visible. 



The spicules on the periphery of the sponge are erect and consist of 

 acanthotylostyles averaging 6 yu, by 130 ;u,. The echinating spicules are 

 acanthostyles and acanthotylostyles 30 ii by 300 fx, the former being note- 

 worthy because of a frequent right angle bend toward the head end. Cor- 

 ing spicules are smooth styles 36 /a thick and very long, but so broken that 

 an actual length cannot be assigned. Microscleres are rhaphids size 2 /x 

 by 150 /i. 



Holotype. — AHF no. 10. 



Type locality. — San Jaime Banks off Cape San Lucas, Mexico ; Lat. 

 22° 50' 30'' N, Long. 110° 15' W; 150 m; old coralline algae. 



Distribution. — Same. 



Material examined. — 

 Sta. 618-37 San Jaime Bank 3-3-37 150 m 



