Cretaceous sponges from the Campanian of Misburg and Höver
Chonella * Roemer 1864

Locality: Alemannia, Höver. Width: 50mm
Locality: Alemannia, Höver. Width: 50mm

Chonella tenuis

Roemer 1864

Chonella tenuis is quite rare at Misburg and Höver. It is a thin-walled (4-6 mm) ear-shaped or plate-like sponge, which may easily be confused with a Verruculina or with Procorallistes polymorphus.

However, Chonella tenuis does not possess the papilliform, protruding postica characteristic of Verruculina, and Procorallistes tends to be more thick-walled and has a different spiculation, including dermal dichotriaenes (if preserved).

The typical specimen of Chonella tenuis shown here from both sides displays nicely the rim-less, pinhole-sized pores, some concentric growth lines, and the rounded margin.

None of the Chonella specimens known to the author have roots. Apparently Chonella is always attached to other sponges.

Locality: Alemannia, Höver
Width: 100 mm

A larger and composite specimen of Chonella tenuis.


*) In the recent edition of the Treatise, Reid (2004), following Schrammen (1924), has separated Chonella auriformis from Chonella tenuis. Chonella auriformis (= Achilleum auriforme), having a fibrous skeletal structure, is now referred to the Family Seliscothonidae under the new name Pachyselis auriformis.

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