Aspidoscopulia, REISWIG, 2002

Dohrmann, Martin, Göcke, Christian, Janussen, Dorte, Reitner, Joachim, Lüter, Carsten & Wörheide, Gert, 2011, Systematics and spicule evolution in dictyonal sponges (Hexactinellida: Sceptrulophora) with description of two new species, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 163 (4), pp. 1003-1025 : 1011

ASPIDOSCOPULIA REISWIG, 2002

Revised diagnosis (emended from definition in Reiswig, 2002b, for inclusion of the new species described below): Tubular Farreidae with sceptrules as distinctive scopules (aspidoscopules) and/or anchorate clavules. Aspidoscopules have a shield-like or discoid, flattened head; scopule tines emanate from the head in a single marginal whorl. Anchorate clavules are very spiny with a flattened head and few large marginal spines and a prominent whorl of rounded hooks just below the head. Pileate clavules and uncinates may be present.

Remarks: The genus Aspidoscopulia was previously only known from the type material of Aspidoscopulia furcillata ( Lévi, 1990) collected west of Celebes, Indonesia ( Reiswig, 2002b). The collection depths of the new specimens are somewhat shallower (656 and 747 m for QM G332077 and QM G332104, respectively) than that of the type species (798 m; Reiswig, 2002b). Anchorate clavules with a whorl of hooks below the head also occur in several Farrea species (see Lopes, Hajdu & Reiswig, 2011).