Spongillina subord. nov. (Demospongiae, Haplosclerida) consists of seven families of exclusively freshwater sponges together containing 45 genera: Spongillidae (21 valid genera), Lubomirskiidae (three genera), Malawispongiidae fam. nov. (five genera), Metaniidae (five genera), Metschnikowiidae (monogeneric), Palaeospongillidae (monogeneric), Potamolepidae (six genera), some geographically widespread and others highly endemic. A central body cavity is peculiar to Malawispongiidae. Skeletal network is typically multi spicular alveolate-reticulate with scanty spongin in Metaniidae, Potamolepidae and Malawispongiidae, paucispicular irregularly reticulate in Palaeospongillidae, Spongillidae, Metschnikowiidae with a variable amount of spongin, multi-to paucispicular irregularly reticulate with an abundant amount of spongin in Lubomirskiidae. Smooth or variably ornamented megascleres range from oxeas to strongyles in Spongillidae, Lubomirskiidae and Metaniidae, but are exclusively oxeas in Malawispongiidae, Metschnikowiidae, Palaeospongillidae, and exclusively strongy1es in Potamolepidae. Microscleres usually present in Spongillidae, Palaeospongillidae and Metaniidae, are rare in Potamolepidae, and absent in Lubomirskiidae, Malawispongiidae and Metschnikowiidae. Microscleres if present are oxeas, strongy1es, aster-like, pseudobirotules. Larvae are always parenchymella. Gemmules are typical of Spongillidae, Metaniidae, Palaeospongillidae, rare and strictly adhering to the substratum in Potamolepidae, and absent in Lubomirskiidae, Malawispongiidae and Metschnikowiidae. Gemmular theca is monolayered in Potamolepidae, mono-, bi-or tri-layered in Spongillidae, generally tri-layered in Metaniidae. Gemrnu1es usually armed by gemrnuloscleres in Metaniidae, Potamo1epidae and Spongillidae, are rarely naked in the latter. Gemrnuloscleres are boletiform (tubelliform), parmuliform, pseudobirotules in Metaniidae, and oxeas, strongyles, birotules, pseudobirotules, club-like, botryoidal in Spongillidae. Three more genera incertae sedis are included. This work is a relatively critical synthesis of the literature, however, a critical phylogenetic revision of established taxa is still in progress. . (5) Tubelliform-boletiform gemmulosclere, typical of Acalle and Metania, is characterised by a proximal large, irregularly circular, flat rotule with the entire margin supporting a smooth shaft decreasing in thickness toward the distal apex, and shaped as umbonate pseudo-rotule with large hooks bearing microspines at their apices.Keys to families and genera are primarily constructed for specimens that contain all specific characters, and hence care must be taken when using these for taxa that are 'reduced', or in a non-reproductive 'resting stage'. For example, specimens collected during seasons when gemmules are not produced might be identified as incertae sedis, or as one of the genera that do not produce gemmules. When gemmules are present their associated spiculation is often important to the systematics of Spongillina. Among Potamolepidae...

This paper deals with the history of the exploitation of a natural resource made up of various types of Mediterranean horny sponges. It also provides an update on trends in the trade of these sponges. The distribution and taxonomic status of Mediterranean species of commercial interest belonging to the genera Spongia and Hippospongia are reported upon and partly emended by (i) the selection of neotypes for Spongia mollissima, Hippospongia communis, and Spongia agaricina from the Indo‐Pacific Ocean versus the Mediterranean Spongia lamella, and (ii) the discussion regarding the problematic status of Spongia zimocca. Attention is also focused upon species that have been of recent commercial interest as sources of metabolites with biomedical potential, such as Dysidea avara, which is considered endangered due to a pressing demand for the industrial extraction of chemicals it produces (e.g. Avarol). The wild harvesting of new target sponges is also discussed, together with a proposal for a rational, sustainable, long‐term strategy for Mediterranean sponge management. Sponge culture in situ is suggested as a useful approach that may allow eco‐compatible management and conservation of this natural resource.

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