Diversity and phylogeny of demosponge fauna in the abyssal nodule fields of the eastern Clarion‐Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean

Abstract

More than 7000 demosponge species have been described to date globally but Plenaster craigi , the most common and abundant species in the eastern CCZ, represents a new family, and possibly in a new order. Interestingly, P. craigi and members of the families Polymastiidae and Hamacanthidae, all filter‐feeding demosponge species, are far more abundant in nodule fields than the carnivorous sponges (Cladorhizidae) which were widely known to be the most dominant demosponge group in the abyssal depths. Lastly, it is highly likely that such tiny demosponges are present in other habitats. They might have been overlooked and/or ignored by sponge researchers in the past due to their tiny size and nondescript habitus. These demosponges could be distinct new species, not juveniles or indeterminates and warrant full taxonomic treatment.

Bibliographic Information