Identifying Sponges

Key to California Porifera (Page 011)

( From page 009 B) Megascleres do NOT include Acanthostyles.

[A]

GO TO PAGE 012

Sponge surface usually smooth and with NO nipple-like protuberences or papillae. Megascleres distinct Tylostyles ONLY, OR may ALSO contain Tylostrongyles. Strongyles (often centrotylote) may occur as microscleres.

[B]

GO TO PAGE 020

Sponge surface usually hispid with nipple-like protuberences OR a few papillae.Megascleres: Styles to Tylostyles OR Styles, and Subtylostyles to Tylostyles.