Familia Phyllostauridae

Schewiakoff, 1926

Skeleton of 20 spicules without apophyses, either of same length and similar shape or different, two to four longer and stronger than others. Base of each spicule with four large lateral leaf-shaped extensions (leaf-cross), cruciform in cross section. Cell body surrounded by thick capsular wall, spherical, oblong or quadrangular, looking like cushion, consisting of endoplasm with various inclusions and peripheral ectoplasm. Axopodia arise from ectoplasmic cortex between spicules. Ectoplasmic cortex of polygonal pieces connected by elastic junctions.

Five genera:

Genus Acanthostaurus
Genus Amphistaurus
Genus Lonchostaurus
Genus Phyllostaurus
Genus Zygostaurus

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