Porifera
Clathrina coriacea
Size
Colony diameter: 2cm (0.8")
Recognition Characters
Sponge consists of small, flat cushions comprising a tightly knit trelliswork of ascon tubes about 1mm in diameter having meshes of similar size. Consistency is compressible and fragile. The surface is microscopically smooth, except for some protruding spicule rays. Spicules are exclusively regular triods packed tangentially in the walls.
Color
Bright lemon yellow
Habitat & Depth
Tropical and temperate reefs. Attach to the undersides of large sponges, rock slabs, and corals.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare. Difficult to find because it usually hidden.
Geographic Range
Georgia south to the Florida Keys and Caribbean. Gulf of Mexico
Behavior & Notes
Although species is reported in this range no voucher specimens have been collected.
Synonyms
Sterrer 1986