A revision of the supraspecific classification of the orders Dictyoceratida, Dendroceratida, and Verongida (class Demospongiae)

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Abstract
A reappraisal of all existing generic taxa within the group of Demospongiae lacking a mineral skeleton, and formerly referred to as the order Keratosa, has resulted n a new classification. Three orders are recognised, the Dictyoceratida, Dendroceratida, and Verongida, and within each order three families. Two new families are erected, the Dictyodendrillidae and the Aplysinellidae. Forty-three genera are recognised, of which six– Lendenfeldia, Fcnestrapongia, Fascaplysinopsis, Dictyodendrilla, Aplysinella, and Anomoianthella–are new: three new species are also described. In reaching this systematic arrangement consideration has been given to ultrastructural histology, comparative biochemistry, and reproductive characteristics in addition to the usual descriptive elements of morphology, fibre type, skeletal pattern, and choanocyte chamber structure. Wherever possible, species described by Lendenfeld in his 1889 'Monograph of the Horny Sponges' have been reinvestigated, the type specimens (where extant) examined, and the species reassigned as necessary.