S63

Spongurus cf. elliptica (Ehrenberg)

?Acanthosphaera elliptica Ehrenberg, 1872a, p. 301; 1872b, pl. 7, fig. 4

Spongurus cf. elliptica (Ehrenberg), Benson, 1966, p. 189, pl. 8, figs. 4, 5

DESCRIPTION "Large ellipsoidal, spongy-appearing test with numerous (50-200 or more) short, stout, conical to three-bladed radial spines arising from its surface. Test not spongy but consists of numerous (5-12 or more) closely and equally spaced ellipsoidal shells that are joined by beams originating from the nodes of the intervening bars of each shell. Innermost shell small, spherical to ellipsoidal, indistinct. Pores of each shell small, subpolygonal, of subequal size, with subregular arrangement. Radial spines not traceable inwards as distinct beams piercing all shells. In several specimens additional but incomplete concentric shells are present at each pole of the major shell axis, giving the test a three-jointed appearance." (from Benson, 1966).

DIMENSIONS "length of test (major axis) 86-107 microns; minor diameter 70-127 microns; length of radial spines 6-74 microns." (from Benson, 1966).

Plate 8, figure 2

S64

RECENT DISTRIBUTION

1. Benson, 1966; "This species is very rare in the Gulf [of California]. It is, therefore, of oceanic affinity but is rare in the tropical Pacific assemblage. It does have a slightly greater frequency in the southern Gulf."

2. Moore, 1974, Code S1; "This form was not separated from Spongurus sp. in the counts (although morphologic differences in well preserved specimens are apparent). It is found only in the temperate and tropical region while Spongurus sp. is most abundant in the cooler waters."

3. Molina-Cruz, 1975, Code S1A; "It was found only in the equatorial and subtropical regions, and it is not common in this study." Not used in factor analysis of southeast Pacific assemblages; cf. Appendix 10 for percent S1A at each station.