Data from: Phylogeny of Tetillidae (Porifera, Demospongiae, Spirophorida) based on three molecular markers

Tetillidae are spherical to elliptical cosmopolitan demosponges. The
family comprises eight genera: namely, Acanthotetilla Burton, 1959,
Amphitethya Lendenfeld, 1907, Cinachyra Sollas, 1886, Cinachyrella Wilson,
1925, Craniella Schmidt, 1870, Fangophilina Schmidt, 1880, Paratetilla
Dendy, 1905, and Tetilla Schmidt, 1868. These genera are characterized by
few conflicting morphological characters, resulting in an ambiguity of
phylogenetic relationships. The phylogeny of tetillid genera was
investigated using the cox1, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA (C1-D2 domains) genes
in 88 specimens (8 genera, 28 species). Five clades were identified: (i)
Cinachyrella, Paratetilla and Amphitethya species, (ii) Cinachyrella
levantinensis, (iii) Tetilla, (iv) Craniella, Cinachyra and Fangophilina
and (v) Acanthotetilla. Consequently, the phylogenetic analysis supports
the monophyly of Tetilla, a genus lacking any known morphological
synapomorphy. Acanthotetilla is also recovered. In contrast, within the
first clade, species of the genera Paratetilla and Amphitethya were nested
within Cinachyrella. Similarly, within the fourth clade, species of the
genera Cinachyra and Fangophilina were nested within Craniella. As
previously postulated by taxonomists, the loss of ectodermal
specialization (i.e., a cortex) has occurred several times independently.
Nevertheless, the presence or absence of a cortex and its features carry a
phylogenetic signal. Surprisingly, the common view that assumes close
relationships among sponges with porocalices (i.e., surface depressions)
is refuted.