Raspailia aculeata

Raspailia cf. aculeata (Johnston, 1842) Fig. 12 Material examined Sweden • 1 spec.; 58.1352° N, 11.2512° E; 46–51 m depth; 20 Aug. 2007; Artprojektets Skagerrak-inventering leg. [SK67]; dredge; P053-111101-2; voucher: GNM Porifera 763. Description This specimen was collected through dredging and consists only of fragments that are interpreted as the digitiform projections (Fig. 12A). However, due to the poor condition of the specimen, we cannot be certain. For the same reason, the external morphology of these specimens cannot be assessed. The surface appears to be hispid. The natural colour is unknown and the colour in ethanol is dark beige (Fig. 12A). Skeleton The skeleton is as described previously for Raspailia aculeata (see above) but presenting differences in the spicules, which warrant the confer status: slightly curved styles (Fig. 12B) (rarely modified into styloids), measuring 840.0– 1135.3 –1300.0± 134.84× 7.5– 9.9 –15.0 ± 1.41 µm (N=29), curved anisoxeas, majority of which have one tip blunt and the other tip mucronate or stepped, measuring 310.0– 428.6 –530.0 ±48.99 (N=29) ×2.5–3.6–5± 1.09 µm (N=29), and curved and fully acanthostyles (Fig. 12D), with 105.0– 185.8 –320 ±53.88 ×10.0– 12.7 –17.5 ± 2.07 µm in size (N= 30). Remarks The specimen P053-111101-2 was collected by dredging at ca 50 m depth, which is deeper than reported for the species R. aculeata. Coincidentally, P053-111101-2 presents some differences in its spicules when compared with the two previous specimens of R. aculeata, namely the oxeas being slightly larger and with different tips. Unfortunately, given the poor preservation condition of P053-111101-2, we have not succeeded in obtaining any amplicon to confirm the specimen assignment. This specimen could also be Raspailia virgultosa (Bowerbank, 1866). However, in the absence of a revision of these species, we have decided to maintain this specimen assigned to Raspailia cf. aculeata.