Porifera
Cinachyrella kuekenthali
Size
Colony height and width: reaching 20cm (8")
Recognition Characters
Similar in shape and form to C. alloclada. Subspherical, constricted at the base, forming a short neck. The apex of the sponge is marked by a conspicuous depression containing numerous flush oscules. This species is much less hispid than C. alloclada and the surface is somewhat smooth. Surface is sometimes obscured by a thin film of rhodophyceous algae. Ectosome has a conspicuous fibrous cortex, while the choanosome is fleshy and pulpier. Color between the choanosome and the ectosome is well contrasted. Spicules are (1) relatively rare triaenes (2) abundant large oxeas, straight to slightly bent with some being strongyloxeas, strongyles, anisoxeas, or styles (3) fusiform oxeas (4) sigmaspires.
Color
Externally orange, internally yellow
Habitat & Depth
Remain partially buried within sediments. Grow in areas of mixed sand and rocky substrate surrounding tropical and temperate reefs. To 40m depth.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Behavior & Notes
Although species is reported in this range no voucher specimens have been collected.
Synonyms
Cinachyra kuekenthali
Sterrer 1986