''Ernstia minoricensis'' 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 Spain. The species is named after the island of
Menorca
Menorca or Minorca (from la, Insula Minor, , smaller island, later ''Minorica'') is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. Its name derives from its size, contrasting it with nearby Majorca. Its capi ...
where the type specimen was discovered.
Description
Triactines and tetractines are regular (equiangular and equiradiate) and are the same size. The actines are 7-10 times longer than they are thick, with slender tapers. The apical actines of the tetractines are straight and 3-4 times thinner than the triacines.
ReferencesWorld Register of Marine Species entry
Clathrina
Sponges described in 1896
Fauna of Spain
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