Porifera
Chondrosia reniformis
(Butternut Sponge)
Size
Colony height: 2.5cm (1") Colony width: reaching 5-10cm (2-4")
Recognition Characters
Sponge can be massive, depressed-ellipsodia, or glossy lobate. Surface is typically strongly convoluted into irregular, corrugated folds. Consistency in life is cartilaginous, firm, and tough. The ectosome is a thick white cortex, dense and cartilaginous. The choanosome is distinct from the outer cortex, buff-colored, softer, and reminiscent of marrow in texture. Choanosome is riddled with meandering canals. Aspiculate.
Color
Externally is dark purplish to brown, almost black or dark blue sometimes spotted with white.
Habitat & Depth
Widely distributed throughout many habitats. Inhabit ledges, rocky outcroppings, crevices, and coral reefs, also mangroves and seagrass beds.
Distribution at GRNMS
Common. This sponge is cryptic in its distribution at GRNMS. It prefers to grow in recesses or cracks in the substrate.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Brazil
Behavior & Notes
Sponge will contract when touched.
Synonyms
Wiedenmayer 1977