Clusters of sponge spicules found in Quaternary deep-water sediments at Sites 685 and 688 off Peru represent single individuals of small sponges or fragments of larger sponges. The spicule assemblages constituting these clusters probably represent a few demosponge species of the subclass Tetractinomorpha and order Astrophorida, because triaenes and microscleric euasters, as well as abundant monaxons, are present. As proved by incorporated Neogene diatoms, these spicule clusters are allochthonous. The sponge individuals probably inhabited deeper neritic environments during late Neogene time.

A = abundant to dominant (>25 % of total spicule assemblage), C = common (5-25 %), rare to few (<5 %), P = present, - = not observed

Supplement to: Martini, Erlend; Locker, Sigurd (1990): Cluster of sponge spicules from Quaternary sediments at sites 658 and 688 off Peru. In: Suess, E; von Huene, R; et al. (eds.), Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program), 112, 175-180