Evolution and phylogeny of glass-sponge-associated zoantharians, with a description of two new genera and three new species Author Kise, Hiroki Author Montenegro, Javier Author Santos, Maria E. A. Author Hoeksema, Bert W. Author Ekins, Merrick Author Ise, Yuji Author Higashiji, Takuo Author Fernandez-Silva, Iria Author Reimer, James D. text Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2022 2021-09-29 194 323 347 journal article 2865 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab068 992a1126-487d-4ac6-b5c7-e83590fea7bd 0024-4082 5799592 5CBBACDD-0A2D-4F22-A732-0CD2D5E3D9AD GENUS CHURABANA GEN. NOV. ( FIG. 4A–H ) Z o o b a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n: l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: EACFCC05-EA56-4F04-94A2-FB716F22004C . Type species: Churabana kuroshioae sp. nov. by original designation. Diagnosis: Parazoanthidae with obligate symbiotic relationship with massive hexasterophoran sponges. Preserved polyps 3.0–4.0 mm in height, 2.8–4.0 mm in diameter. Azooxanthellate. Cteniform endodermal marginal musculature. Remarks: Churabana and other already described sponge-associated zoantharian genera can be easily distinguished from each other by their host sponges ( Hexactinellida sponges vs. Demospongiae sponge) and depths; the former can be found at> 140 m , while the latter are found in shallow coral reefs. Although Churabana and several species within Isozoanthus and Epizoanthus are associated with Hexactinellida sponges, these three genera can be distinguished from each other by their hosts: the latter two genera are associated with species within the subclass Amphidiscophora , while species of Churabana are associated with sponge species within the subclass Hexasterophora . Churabana has a unique deletion of 15 bp (from position 168 to 182 in our alignment) in its 16S-rDNA region. Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Ryukyuan language words chura , beautiful, and bana , flower, referring to the appearance of this species. Gender feminine. The Japanese name is 'Chura-tama-sunaginchaku'.