Revision of Lophophysema (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Hyalonematidae)

Abstract

Eighteen specimens of the poorly known genus Lophophysema (Hyalonematidae : Hexactinellida : Porifera) are reported from Indonesia, from the western and eastern coasts of Australia, and from South Africa. Two new species, Lophophysema australicum and Lophophysema gilchristi, are described. The variability of Lophophysema inflatum Schulze, 1900 is also reported.