Raspailiidae [Raspailiidae]

Description

Raspailiidae is a family of marine sponges within the order Axinellida. These sponges are characterized by their branching forms or sometimes massive shapes. They have a skeleton composed of monactinal (single axis) spicules, often with a hispid surface texture due to projecting spicules. Raspailiidae sponges are found in a variety of marine environments from shallow to deep waters. They are key components of benthic ecosystems, providing habitat and contributing to the structural complexity of marine communities.