Homoscleromorpha

Taxobox
name = Homoscleromorpha


image_caption = "Oscarella lobularis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Porifera
classis = Demospongiae
subclassis = Homoscleromorpha
subclassis_authority = Bergquist, 1978
ordo = Homosclerophorida
ordo_authority = Dendy, 1905
familia = Plakinidae
familia_authority = Schulze, 1880
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = "Corticium"
"Oscarella"
"Placinolopha"
"Plakina"
"Plakinastrella"
"Plakortis"
"Pseudocorticium"

Homoscleromorpha is a subclass of marine demosponges containing a single order, Homosclerophorida and a single family, Plakinidae. These sponges are massive or encrusting in form and have a very simple structure with very little variation in spicule form (all spicules tend to be very small). Reproduction is viviparous and the larva is an oval form known as an amphiblastula. This form is usual in calcareous sponges but is less common in demosponges.

References

* [http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/organisation/sections/SessileMarineInvertebrates/spong.pdf Sponguide]
* [http://www.marinespecies.org/porifera/porifera.php?p=taxdetails&id=131661 World Porifera Database]