Clathrina or Olynthus

Clathrina or Olynthus

Contents hide
1) Classification of Clathrina or Olynthus
2) Habit and habitat
3) Distribution
4) General Characterstics
5) Identification

Classification of Clathrina or Olynthus

  • Phylum :- Porifera (Pore bearing, cellular grade, asymmetrical or radially symmetrical)
  • Class :- Calcarea (Calcareous spicules present)
  • Order :- Homocoela (Canal system of ascon type)
  • Genus :- Clathrina
Clathrina or Olynthus

Habit and habitat

Clathrina is a simple, marine sponge attached to rocks or substratum.

Distribution

Distributed from Matha’s vineyard to Gulf of St. Lawrence. From Casco bay to Arctic ocean and common in Europe.

General Characterstics

  • Originally it was presumed as adult and was called as Olynthus, but now it is known to represent the late developmental stage of some sponge.
  • Sedentary sponge with a free end containing osculum. Spongocoel opens through the osculum.
  • Body is cylindrical and perforated by various ostia.
  • Triradiate calcareous spicules form the skeleton.
  • Development is complicated.
Clathrina or Olynthus

Identification

Since the animal has broad anterior, portion with osculum, ostia and narrow posterior portion attached to substratum and all above characters, hence it is Clathrina.

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