Paracaudina

Heding, 1931; Clark, 1935

6 species

Medium Caudinids with 15 tentacles with 2 pairs of digits but no unpaired terminal digit. Calcareous ring with short undivided posterior prolongation on the radials. Third loop of intestine supported by powerful pseudomesenteries attached to the lateral body walls while the normal ventral mesentery is reduced or lacking. Spicules small cross cups or four hole plates with spinous to lobate margin, with age degenerating into irregular deformed plates. No phosphatic bodies present but older individuals may have certain spicules surrounded by a reddish substance. (Deichmann, 1938)

Thick skinned forms with barrel shaped body which tapers into a long stout tail. Tentacles 15 with 2 pairs of lateral digits (and no terminal digit). Color dirty white. Spicules numerous small disc shaped bodies (cross cups). (Deichmann, 1954, from key)

Tentacles with 2 pairs digits. Caudal appendage usually long and slender. Deposits not tables but buttons or cups, perforated plates or irregular rods. (Pawson, 1970)

Tentacles with two pairs of digits. Caudal appendage usually long and slender. Deposits not tables but cups (buttons), perforated plates, or irregular rods. (Pawson, 1977)

Tentackes 15, each with 2 pairs of digits, tail usually long and slender; ossicles small crossed cups, or perforated plates, or irregular rods; no phosphatic bodies, but a diffuse reddish to brownish pigment may occur in older individuals. (Pawson & Liao, 1992)