Size

Colony height: Fingers reaching 10cm (4") Colony width: 10cm (4")

Recognition Characters

The form of this sponge is very characteristic. It consists of a basal cushion buried in sand or gravel, from which project large conical, translucent papillae. The surface of the papillae has a glassy, translucent appearance, through which vertical spicule fibers can be seen. A central core runs the length of the papillae, this is usually conspicuous in living material. The walls of the papillae are thick and robust with a roughened texture. Spicules are oxeas.

Color

White to translucent white

Habitat & Depth

Mixed sandy and hard bottom habitats to 70m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Common. Encountered on sandy bottoms away from ledges and rocky outcroppings.

Geographic Range

Western Atlantic

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Wells et al. 1960, Sterrer 1986