CLASSIFICATION OF LEUCILLA

Classification of Leucilla

Phylum :- Porifera (Pore bearing, cellular grade, asymmetrical or radially symmetrical)
Class :- Calcarea (Calcareous spicules present)
Order :- Heterocoel (Syconoid sponges with internal folds)
Genus :- Leucilla

Distribution

• It is a small solitary and marine sponge

Habit and Habitat

• Common in Europe. Distributed from Rhode Island to Greenland.

Characterstics of Leucilla

• Anterior apical portion is narrow.
• Posterior basal portion is broad and attached to substratum.
• Osculum is situated at the anterior extremity and is surrounded by oscular fringe of monaxon spicules.
• Canal system is of primitive leuconoid type.
• Each radial canal is subdivided into elongated flagellated chambers, grouped around a common excurrent channel.
• Skeleton is of inarticulate type.

Identification

• Since the specimen has narrow anterior end with pores, oscular fringe and all above features hence it is Leucilla.