22 ALLAN HANCOCK PACIFIC EXPEDITIONS VOL. 1 1 



Remarks. — This sponge is closely related to Hemectyon hyle de 

 Laubenfels, which is found in the same region. It differs, however, by its 

 distinctive form, which is very unlike the vaselike form of H. hyle, found 

 in the same region. The spiculation is consistently about half as large, 

 although we are undoubtedly dealing with a fully mature specimen. 

 Should intermediate types, in form and spiculation, be discovered, it is 

 possible that this species would fall in synonymy ; but at present it seems 

 more convenient to erect a new species for this distinctive group of speci- 

 mens. Another possibility is that we are dealing with a series of stages in 

 a complex life history or that this sponge has distinct male and female 

 forms and that we have here one of the sexes of which H. hyle is the other. 



Family Microcionidae Hentschel 



Genus HETERECTYA Kallmann 



Heterectya cerebella, new species 



Plate 34, Figs. 67, 68 



Diagnosis. — The preserved specimen of this sponge is drab in color. 

 It is 3 cm by 2 cm by 2 cm and is made up of coalesced twisted columns 

 2 or 3mm in diameter, which give it the appearance of brain coral. The 

 specimen is a fragment of a larger mass. The surface is finely grained, but 

 ectosomal specialization is very vague. Two openings are visible on the 

 specimen each about 4 mm in diameter. They are probably oscules. 



The megasclere spiculation is typical of the genus with smooth styles 

 35 IX by 600 IX, which do not differ in the surface layer. The echinating 

 spicules are peculiarly bent styles. The bending is sharp and occurs about 

 one-fifth of the length from the head. The lower third of the spicule is 

 is heavily spined. The average size is 30 ju, by 400 p.. No microscleres are 

 present. 



Holotype. — ^AHF no. 11. 



Type locality. — Off Isla Partida to the south ; 90 m ; sand bottom. 



Distribution. — Same. 



Material examined. — 

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



Remarks. — This is the only member of the genus so far reported from 

 the Pacific coast. Its nearest relative appears to be Raspailia inaequalis 

 Dendy, but this sponge has oxeas as well as styles for dermal spicules. It 

 should be transferred to Echinaxia. It is interesting to note that the speci- 

 men of Heterectya was full of worms of various kinds. 



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