Size

Colony height: to 5cm (2") Fan diameter: 13cm (5")

Recognition Characters

Sponge grows in two different shapes. The first morph type can be flabellate-pedunctulate with some digitate processes or crenulate margins (large specimens can be more complex with several folded lettuce like fronds). The second growth form is bushy with wide branches and crenulate edges rising from the peduncle or broad base. Surface is smooth to the touch (like chamois) but rougher in bushy specimens. Spicules are styles (quite bent on basal end) and sometimes oxeas.

Color

Yellow

Habitat & Depth

Temperate reefs to 50m. On mixed sandy and hard bottom habitats surrounding reefs.

Distribution at GRNMS

Abundant. Found on ledge tops and sandy bottoms adjacent to ledge.

Geographic Range

Gulf of Mexico, South from North Carolina to Florida Atlantic. 13-33m depth

Behavior & Notes

This sponge can vary greatly in shape and spicule composition. This sponge was previously identified as Homaxinella waltonsmithi.

Synonyms

Homaxinella waltonsmithi

References

Wells et al. 1960, Alvarez et al. 1998