''Penares'' is a widely distributed genus of
demosponges.
Description
These sponges are irregularly massive and have a thin cortex. Species belonging to this genus have dichotriaenes (
spicules
Spicules are any of various small needle-like anatomical structures occurring in organisms
Spicule may also refer to:
*Spicule (sponge), small skeletal elements of sea sponges
*Spicule (nematode), reproductive structures found in male nematodes ( ...
with pairs of branched rays) and oxeas (needle-like spicules with both ends pointed). Smooth microrhabds (modified microxeas (small oxeas) or microstrongyles (small rods with both ends blunt or rounded)) form a crust in the ectosome. Euasters (star-shaped microscleres with multiple rays radiating from a central point) may also be present.
Species
The following species are recognised:
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q6538346
Demospongiae
Sponge genera