The genus Spongocore contains some widely distributed Spongurida, which are distinguished from the nearly related Spongurus by the development of a peculiar veil or mantle of delicate lattice-work, which envelops either the whole shell or only the middle part of it, and is connected with it by numerous radial beams. The distance of the simple fine lattice-lamella from the spongy shell is everywhere the same. Often the cylindrical shell is three-jointed, with two annular strictures, as also in the foregoing Spongurus. It is derived from the latter by development of the veil connecting the points of the radial spines.
Subgenus 1. Spongocorina, Haeckel.
Definition.—Shell without distinct annular strictures, not evidently three-jointed.
1. Spongocore velata, n. sp.
Shell ellipsoidal, one and a half times as long as broad, without annular strictures. Spongy framework loose, with rather large meshes, four to six times as broad as the bars. The whole spongy shell enveloped by a delicate veil with smooth surface, connected with it by numerous thin radial beams. Breadth of the spongy ellipsoid (or minor axis) six times as large as its distance from the veil.
Dimensions.—Length of the whole shell (with veil) 0.3, breadth 0.2; distance of the veil from the spongy ellipsoid 0.035.
Habitat.—South Atlantic, Station 325, surface.
2. Spongocore diplocylindrica, n. sp.
Shell cylindrical, three times as long as broad, without annular strictures. Spongy framework compact, with small meshes, twice to three times as broad as the bars. The whole surface of the spongy cylinder, with exception of both rounded polar faces, enveloped by a delicate cylindrical veil with smooth surface, connected with it by numerous radial beams. Diameter of the spongy cylinder twice as large as its distance from the veil.
Dimensions.—Length of the shell 0.3, breadth (with veil) 0.1; distance of the veil 0.025.