''Ernstia laxa'' is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
calcareous sponge
The calcareous sponges of class Calcarea are members of the animal phylum Porifera, the cellular sponges. They are characterized by spicules made of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite or aragonite. While the spicules in most species hav ...
in the family
Clathrinidae
Clathrinidae is a family of calcareous sponges in the order Clathrinida. It contains the following genera:
''Arturia'' '' Borojevia'' '' Brattegardia'' ''Clathrina'' ''Ernstia
''Ernstia'' is a genus of calcareous sponges in the family Clathr ...
found in New Zealand. The species name is derived from Latin meaning "wide".
Description
This species is similar to ''
Ascaltis reticulum
''Ascaltis reticulum'' is a species of sea sponge the family Leucascidae
Leucascidae is a family of calcareous sponges in the order Clathrinida
The Clathrinida are an order of calcareous sponges found in marine environments. These sponges ...
'' except it has wider and thicker actines. More research is needed to confirm the correct classification of this organism.
ReferencesWorld Register of Marine Species entry
Clathrina
Sponges described in 1896
Sponges of New Zealand
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