Topsentia pachastrelloides var. microxata Topsent, 1928

Topsentia pachastrelloides var. microxata Topsent, 1928: 165 (no illustration).

The variety was described by Topsent from Prince Albert 1 er Monaco Cruises Stat. 899, Azores, 37.95°N 29.233°W, depth 200 m (type material in the MOM and slides in MNHN). Differences with the typical variety described by Topsent (1892a: 66, pl. IX fig. 3, as Halichondria, from Prince Albert 1 er Monaco Cruises Stat. 229, Azores, 38.6667°N 30.5775°W, depth 736 m, type material in MOM and slides in MNHN) are the small size of the smallest oxeas (40–55 vs. 150 µm). Large oxeas are smaller (up to 960 x 25 vs.1400 x 46 µm) than those of the typical variety. These differences may seem sufficient for distinguishing valid taxa, but additional records by other authors and Topsent himself, e.g. Topsent (1928: 163) mention specimens with the smallest oxeas up to 90 µm and the largest up to 1005 x 40–50 µm. He also discussed specimens identified as Topsentia glabra (Topsent, 1898: 234 as Anisoxya), which he observed to overlap in spicule sizes with smaller spicule bearing T. pachastrelloides . In view of the uncertainties admitted by Topsent, and the sympatric occurrence of the varieties I propose to merge these varieties as a single species Topsentia pachastrelloides (Topsent, 1892a) until improved evidence has been obtained for a specific distinctness of the varieties.