A revision of Australian Erylus (Porifera : Demospongiae : Astrophorida : Geodiidae) with a tabular review of worldwide species

Abstract

ErylusGray (Porifera: Geodiidae) has been recorded in Australian waters from two antiquated reports (E. lendenfeldi Sollas, 1888 and E. proximus Dendy, 1916). These two species are redescribed. From more recent collections from the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, southern Queensland and Western Australia four new species (E. amissus, E. circus, E. citrus and E. fromonta, spp. nov.) were discovered and are described. One other, presently unrecognisable, species from an antiquated museum slide preparation is also described. A tabular review of species worldwide is also provided. Erylus has been an important source of novel bioactive compounds, including those with antitumor and antifungal properties and that are helpful in combating autoimmune diseases (including HIV). This discovery of four new species, increasing the diversity of the genus by 66% in Australian waters, has important implications pertaining to the existence of new compounds, or analogues of existing compounds unique to Erylus, as potential therapeutic marine natural products.