Abstract
Sponges are common and diverse in California, but they have received little study in the region, and the identities of many common species remain unclear. Here we combine fresh collections and museum vouchers to revise the order Axinellida for California. Seven new species are described, including representatives from one family and four genera that previously had no described species in the state. One new combination is also described, and two names are placed in synonymy with existing names, resulting in a total of 13 species; a dichotomous key to differentiate them is provided. DNA data from 10 of the 13 species is combined with publicly available data to produce updated global phylogenies for the order.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
