New records of the rare calcareous sponge Paragrantia waguensis Hôzawa, 1940

Paragrantiawaguensis Hôzawa is reported from coastal reefs of the island of Okinawa. This rare species was previously known only from Central Japan, Mie Prefecture. It has peculiar apopylar tetractine spicules, so far unique among Calcarea. We present in situ images of the species and a full description including SEM images of skeletal structure and spicule complement. The status of Paragrantia as a separate genus of the family Grantiidae distinct from Grantia Fleming is confirmed on the basis of a morphological and molecular comparison with the European type species of Grantia, Grantiacompressa (Fabricius).

Calcareous sponges of Indonesia

The calcareous sponges collected during Indonesian-Dutch research projects, incorporated in the collections of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (formerly the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie and the Zoölogisch Museum of the University of Amsterdam), are described and discussed. A total of 37 species were distinguished, of which 16 are new to science, while several others are very poorly known. The new species are Clathrina purpurea sp.nov., Clathrina beckingae sp.nov., Clathrina sororcula sp.nov., Arthuria tubuloreticulosa sp.nov., Ernstia indonesiae sp.nov., Ernstia chrysops sp.nov., Ernstia klautauae sp.nov., Ernstia naturalis sp.nov., Ascandra kakaban sp.nov., Ascandra crewsi sp.nov., Ascaltis angusta sp.nov., Pericharax orientalis sp.nov., Sycetta vinitincta sp.nov., Anamixilla singaporensis sp.nov., Grantessa borojevici sp.nov. and Grantessa tenhoveni sp.nov. An additional six species reported from Indonesia, but not represented in our material, are briefly characterized.

Deep-water sponges (Porifera) from Bonaire and Klein Curaçao, Southern Caribbean

Four submersible dives off the coast of Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands) and Klein Curaçao (Curaçao) to depths of 99.5-242 m, covering lower mesophotic and upper dysphotic zones, yielded 52 sponge specimens belonging to 31 species. Among these we identified 13 species as new to science. These are Plakinastrella stinapa n. sp., Pachastrella pacoi n. sp., Characella pachastrelloides n. sp., Geodia curacaoensis n. sp., Caminus carmabi n. sp., Discodermia adhaerens n. sp., Clathria (Microciona) acarnoides n. sp., Antho (Acarnia) pellita n. sp., Parahigginsia strongylifera n. sp., Calyx magnoculata n. sp., Neopetrosia dutchi n. sp., Neopetrosia ovata n. sp. and Neopetrosia eurystomata n. sp. We also report an euretid hexactinellid, which belongs to the rare genus Verrucocoeloidea, recently described (2014) as V. liberatorii Reiswig & Dohrmann. The remaining 18 already known species are all illustrated by photos of the habit, either in situ or 'on deck', but only briefly characterized in an annotated table to confirm their occurrence in the Southern Caribbean. The habitat investigated-steep limestone rocks, likely representing Pleistocene fossil reefs--is similar to deep-water fossil reefs at Barbados of which the sponges were sampled and studied by Van Soest and Stentoft (1988). A comparison is made between the two localities, showing a high degree of similarity in sponge composition: 53% of the present Bonaire-Klein Curaçao species were also retrieved at Barbados. At the level of higher taxa (genera, families) Bonaire-Klein Curaçao shared approximately 80% of its lower mesophotic and upper dysphotic sponge fauna with Barbados, despite a distance between them of 1000 km, indicating high faunal homogeneity. We also preliminarily compared the shallow-water (euphotic) sponge fauna of Curaçao with the combined data available for the Barbados, Bonaire and Klein Curaçao mesophotic and upper dysphotic sponges, which resulted in the conclusion that the two faunas show only little overlap.

Reef sponges of the genus Agelas (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Greater Caribbean

The genus Agelas comprises a group of tropical and subtropical reef sponges that contains large, long-lived, often brightly colored and conspicuous species, distributed throughout the tropica l western Atlantic, temperate northern Atlantic (Mediterranean Sea), and western and central Indo-Pacific Realms. Among tropical sponge genera, Agelas is one with similar species richness in the Greater Caribbean in comparison to the Indo Pacific. The presence of verticillated acanthostyle spicules and a fibroreticulate skeleton of spongin fibres cored and/or echinated by spicules characterize this group. Taxonomic identification relies on a combination of characters, where external morphology and color play a key role, owing to the paucity of microscopical characters. Thus, there is still a great deal of taxonomic confusion, even for the more common species. We carried out a detailed revision of Agelas species throughout the Greater Caribbean area using classic taxonomic tools. Samples and observations covered Colombia, Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao and Venezuela, and included type material from major museum collections. According to our results, the genus Agelas in the Caribbean has at least thirteen valid species, viz. Agelas sceptrum (Lamarck, 1815); A. dispar Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864;  A. dilatata Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864; A. clathrodes (Schmidt, 1870);  A. cervicornis (Schmidt, 1870); A. conifera (Schmidt, 1870); A. schmidti Wilson, 1902;   A. tubulata Lehnert & van Soest, 1996; A. wiedenmayeri Alcolado, 1984;  A. citrina Gotera & Alcolado, 1987; A. sventres Lehnert & van Soest, 1996; A. repens Lehnert & van Soest, 1998; and A. cerebrum Assmann et al., 2001. We found that variation of microscopic characteristics like skeleton arrangement, number of verticills and their spines, and spicule length and width, can be used as taxonomic tools, but only in a thorough comparison with other species in the same sub-regional context. Thus, a certain degree of familiarity with the genus' regional variation is often required. The richness and distribution of these species in the Caribbean area show north/south differences and other ecological patterns are evident. 

Global diversity of sponges (Porifera)

With the completion of a single unified classification, the Systema Porifera (SP) and subsequent development of an online species database, the World Porifera Database (WPD), we are now equipped to provide a first comprehensive picture of the global biodiversity of the Porifera. An introductory overview of the four classes of the Porifera is followed by a description of the structure of our main source of data for this paper, the WPD. From this we extracted numbers of all 'known' sponges to date: the number of valid Recent sponges is established at 8,553, with the vast majority, 83%, belonging to the class Demospongiae. We also mapped for the first time the species richness of a comprehensive set of marine ecoregions of the world, data also extracted from the WPD. Perhaps not surprisingly, these distributions appear to show a strong bias towards collection and taxonomy efforts. Only when species richness is accumulated into large marine realms does a pattern emerge that is also recognized in many other marine animal groups: high numbers in tropical regions, lesser numbers in the colder parts of the world oceans. Preliminary similarity analysis of a matrix of species and marine ecoregions extracted from the WPD failed to yield a consistent hierarchical pattern of ecoregions into marine provinces. Global sponge diversity information is mostly generated in regional projects and resources: results obtained demonstrate that regional approaches to analytical biogeography are at present more likely to achieve insights into the biogeographic history of sponges than a global perspective, which appears currently too ambitious. We also review information on invasive sponges that might well have some influence on distribution patterns of the future.

Skeletons in confusion: a review of astrophorid sponges with (dicho-)calthrops as structural megascleres (Porifera, Demospongiae, Astrophorida)

We present a review of astrophorid species possessing calthrops megascleres as structural megascleres (including species with dichotriaene modifications, but excluding mesotriaene and trichotriaene bearing species). Radiating oxeas characteristic of most astrophorids are lacking in such sponges, but auxiliary oxeas are apparently present in some species. These sponges are currently assigned to two families, Pachastrellidae with four nominal genera Dercitus, Stoeba, Dercitancorina, Halinastra (the latter two generally considered junior synonyms of Stoeba), and Calthropellidae with nominal genera Calthropella, Corticellopsis (usually considered a junior synonym), Pachataxa and Pachastrissa. Our review of many original specimens and extensive new material demonstrates the existence of considerable morphological similarity in megasclere shape and arrangement, and possible overlap of some microscleres of these sponges: pseudasters in Dercitus resembling euasters in Calthropella, ataxasters and other modified types in Calthropellidae resembling rhabds in a species of Dercitus. Pachastrellid representatives are proposed to be united in a single genus Dercitus, recognizable as (dicho–)calthrops bearing sponges with sanidaster–like microrhabds. Three subgenera, Dercitus s.s., Stoeba and the revived Halinastra are distinguished to accommodate species groups sharing additional characters. Dercitancorina is merged with Dercitus (Stoeba), because the type species, Dercitus lesinensis was found to be barely distinct from Dercitus (Stoeba) plicatus. Similarly, the calthropellid representatives are proposed to be united in a single genus Calthropella recognizable as calthrops bearing sponges with oxyasters. Three subgenera, Calthropella s.s., Pachataxa and Corticellopsis are distinguished to accommodate species groups sharing additional characters. The calthropellid genus Pachastrissa is considered a junior synonym of Calthropella s.s. because its type species, Pachastrella geodioides, is barely distinct from the type species of Calthropella, Calthropella simplex. Two species previously assigned to Dercitus or Stoeba (Dercitus loricatus and Stoeba natalensis) are excluded from the genus Dercitus as they do not fit with the emended and improved definition of the genus. One species assigned to Calthropella, Calthropella digitata, is excluded from that genus and assigned to the ancorinid genus Stelletta. Based on the similarity of the megascleres and their structure-less arrangement, we predict that the two reviewed genera will be found to be closely related and eventually will need to be accomodated in a single family, but independent molecular evidence is awaited before changes in the family classification, including a verdict on the validity of the family Calthropellidae, will be proposed. Our review included 38 valid species among which fourteen species and one subspecies appear to be new to science. Four of these were represented by insufficient material for a proper description, but the remaining ten are described as new species: Dercitus (Stoeba) senegalensissp. n., Dercitus (Stoeba) verdensissp. n., Dercitus (Stoeba) fijiensissp. n., Dercitus (Stoeba) bahamensissp. n., Dercitus (Halinastra) berausp. n., Dercitus (Halinastra) japonensissp. n., Dercitus (Halinastra) arubensissp. n., Dercitus (Halinastra) sibogaesp. n., Calthropella (Calthropella) xavieraesp. n., and Calthropella (Pachataxa) pyriferasp. n. The new subspecies, Dercitus (Dercitus) bucklandi lusitanicusssp. n. is described for southern East Atlantic populations of the nominal species. Several specimens assigned to existing species were found to be deviating to the extent that they are likely members of further undescribed species. These are briefly discussed to facilitate further studies of the diversity of the two genera. Species of both genera and the six subgenera, including deviating or insufficiently characterized specimens belonging to species not yet properly described, are keyed out. Distribution patterns are discussed.

Subereaphenol A, a new Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Dibrominated Phenol from the Red Sea Sponge Suberea Mollis

An investigation of the sponge Suberea mollis collected at the Egyptian Red Sea coast afforded a new cytotoxic and antimicrobial dibrominated phenol, subereaphenol A (1), together with the previously reported compounds 2-(3′,5′-dibromo-2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxyphenyl)acetamide (2), dibromoverongiaquinol (3), bromochloroverongiaquinol (4), and 2-(3′,5′-dibromo-4′-ethoxy-1′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-2′,5′-cyclohexadien-1-yl)acetamide (5). The structure of the compounds was determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques and High-resolution mass spectral determinations. Complete and new NMR data for the known compounds has been reported. The cytotoxic and the antimicrobial activities of the compounds are reported.

Nine acetylenic alcohols isolated from the Okinawan marine sponge of the genus Petrosia ( Strongylophora )

Nine new acetylenic alcohols 1-9 were isolated from a marine sponge belonging to the genus Petrosia (Strongylophora). The structures were elucidated mainly based on the analysis of one-and two-dimensional NMR spectral data. To determine the position of the central double bonds in 1-8, each compound was cleaved with OsO(4) and HIO(4), and the resulting aldehyde was converted to the corresponding 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone. Analysis of the high-resolution mass and (13)C NMR spectral data of each 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone clarified the position of the central double bonds in 1-8.

Acetylenic strongylodiols from a Petrosia (Strongylophora) Okinawan marine sponge

Seven new long-chain acetylenic alcohols, strongylodiols D-J, were isolated from an Okinawan marine sponge of the genus Petrosia (Strongylophora). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of the results of spectroscopic analysis and chemical reaction. Analysis of the MNA esters of the acetylenic alcohols disclosed that these compounds were each an enantiomeric mixture in a different ratio.

Amphimelibiosides A−F, Six New Ceramide Dihexosides Isolated from a Japanese Marine Sponge Amphimedon sp

Six new ceramide dihexosides, amphimelibiosides A-F (1-6), were isolated from a Japanese marine sponge Amphimedon sp. The structure of amphimelibioside C (3), which is a major component of amphimelibiosides, was determined by 2D NMR techniques, chemical degradation, and a semisynthetic method to be 1-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl]-(2S,3S,4R,6E)-2-[(2'R)-2-hydroxydocosanoyl]-2-amino-6-octadecene-1,3,4-triol. The structures of the other constituents were elucidated by a combination of mass spectra, (1)H NMR, and GC-MS analysis.

New polyhydroxylated sterols stylisterols A-C and a novel 5,19-cyclosterol hatomasterol from the Okinawan marine sponge Stylissa sp

New polyhydroxylated sterols, stylisterol A-C (1-3), and a novel 5,19-cyclosterol, hatomasterol (4) were isolated from the Okinawan sponge Stylissa sp. Structural determinations of these compounds were made by spectroscopic analysis and chemical conversion. Assessment of cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells was also determined.

Terpene isocyanides, isocyanates, and isothiocyanates from the Okinawan marine sponge Stylissa sp

Seven new nitrogenous terpenoids, (1R,6R,7S,10S)-10-isothiocyanatocadin-4-ene (1), (1S,2S,5S,6S,7R,8S)-13-isothiocyanatocubebane (2), (1R,3S,4R,7S,8S,12S,13S)-7-isocyanoamphilecta-10,14-diene (3), (1S,3S,4R,7S,8S,12S,13S)-8-isocyanoamphilecta-11(20),14-diene (4), (3S,4R,7S,8S,11S,13S)-8-isocyanoamphilecta-1(12),14-diene (5), 8-isocyanatocycloamphilect-10-ene (6), and 8-isothiocyanatocycloamphilect-10-ene (7), were isolated from the Okinawan sponge Stylissasp., along with 12 known related compounds. Structural determinations of these compounds were made by spectroscopic analysis, and assessment was made of their cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells.

Ageladine A: an antiangiogenic matrixmetalloproteinase inhibitor from the marine sponge Agelas nakamurai

A novel MMP inhibitor, ageladine A (1) with antiangiogenic activity was isolated from a marine sponge Agelas nakamurai. Structure 1 was determined by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods to be an unprecedented structure of 4-(4,5-dibromo-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-amine.

1,3-dimethylisoguaninium, an antiangiogenic purine analog from the sponge Amphimedon paraviridis

An antiangiogenic purine analog, 1,3-dimethylisoguaninium (1), was isolated from the ethanol (EtOH) extract of the Okinawan sponge Amphimedon paraviridis. The structure was elucidated on the basis of its spectral properties and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 1 exhibited specific inhibition of the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced proliferation of bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs). Moreover, compound 1 reduced the tube formation of BAECs in a time-dependent manner.

Primary cultures from the marine sponge Xestospongia muta (Petrosiidae, Haplosclerida)

In the context of the investigations on the origin and in vitro production of bioactive compounds, primary cultures were developed from ectosomal and choanosomal cell suspensions from the sponge Xestospongia muta. Dissociated cells aggregated and reorganized into a striking reticulated network of cells, typical for X. muta. Moreover, in some cultures an isotropic reticulation of small spicules, very similar to that found in the ectosome of adult sponges, was observed. Phytohaemagglutinin promoted aggregation and the reorganization of the cells. HPLC analyses revealed that straight-chain acetylenic compounds were recovered from short-term cultures and that they were synthesized during culture. Heterotrophic bacteria were assumed to be involved in the process. Together our results established that X. muta would be an excellent experimental model to study, in laboratory conditions, the differentiation of the skeleton and the in vitro biosynthesis of straight-chain acetylenic compounds.

(-)-Axinyssene: a novel cytotoxic diterpene from a Japanese marine sponge Axinyssa sp

[structure: see text] A novel diterpene, (-)-axinyssene, was isolated from the Japanese marine sponge Axinyssa sp. The structure of (-)-axinyssene was determined on the basis of spectroscopic and synthetic evidence to be 1-methyl-4-[(4E)-5',9'-dimethyl-1'-methylene-4',8'-decadienyl]-(4S)-cyclohexene. (-)- and (+)-axinyssene showed mild cytotoxicity against acute promyelocytic leukemia, HL-60 cells.