THE SYSTEMATICS OF SOME JAMAICAN EXCAVATING SPONGES (PORIFERA) ROSEMARY K. FANG* Department of Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut (Received 21 January 1972) ABSTRACT Thirteen species of coral-dwelling sponges are reported from the reefs of Discovery Bay on the north coast of Jamaica. Seven of these are new species: Cliona delitrix, C. peponaca, C. langae, C. laticavicola, C. aprica (family Cli-onidae); Alectona jamaicensis (family uncertain); and Siphonodictyon brevitubu-latum (family Adociidae). Two other species, Cliona schmidti and C. janitrix, are new records for the West Indies. A shallow-water and a deep-water form of two new species are described. Transplant studies indicate that these forms, distinguished by differences in the dimensions of the spicules and papillae, the degree of papillary fusion and, to a slight degree, spicule morphology, are largely habitat-induced. It is suggested that differences in silica concentration with depth may affect spicule sizes. ♦Present address: Dept. of Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, N.Y. 10032. POSTILLA 161: 75 p. 29 AUGUST 1973
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