Cliona parenzani n. sp. (porifera, hadromerida) from the Ionian sea

Abstract

A new species of the genus Cliona Grant is described from the Ionian Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). Cliona parenzani sp. n. is characterized by an encrusting or massive shape and a spiculation consisting of robust tylostyles, together with spiny and smooth‐spirasters. The new species is very close to the group of related species C. nigricans (Schmidt), C. viridis (Schmidt), and C. copiosa Sara from which it mainly differs by the occurrence of reduced spirasters that lost their spines.

Key words:

• Demospongiae
• Cliona
• Ionian Sea