Size

Colony height and width: 5-10cm (2-4")

Recognition Characters

Multiple growth patterns can occur in this sponge. (1) Labellate-flabelliform, asymmetrical, on small peduncle. (2) Small cones or bushes up to 4cm high with lamellas folded and undulating. (3) Small crested bushes up to 8cm tall, with long or short peduncle. Can be pointed, rounded or flattened. Surface is corrugated with vertical or horizontal grooves. Channels in bush shaped colonies run longitudinally and are smooth on inner surface. Outer surface punctuated with numerous small spiculated projections. Spicules are straight subtylostyles, styles, and oxeas.

Color

Bright orange or red when alive. Also yellow or yellow orange. Light brown or beige in alcohol

Habitat & Depth

Mixed sandy and hard bottom habitats to 70m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional. Sponge grows on sandy bottoms away from ledges or rocky outcroppings.

Geographic Range

North Carolina south to Columbia and Venezuela. Gulf of Mexico.

Behavior & Notes

Variable growth pattern of this sponge makes identification difficult. Obvious spiculate pattern and types of spicules confirm identification of this sponge. Junior synonyms of this sponge are Teichaxinella morchella and Oxeostilon burtoni.

Synonyms

References

Wells et al. 1960, Alvarez et al. 1998