Porifera
Ircinia variabilis
(Stinker Sponge)
Size
Colony height and width: 30cm (1")
Recognition Characters
This is the typical form of this sponge. Growth form felix is crustose, with raised oscula, or massive, with 1-2mm conules on surface. It can have two other forms, growth form fistularis has simple, erect, hollow branches and terminal oscula and growth form acuta which can be conical or massive, with elevated oscula, and large (2-4 mm) conuli. This sponge has a very distinctive odor when exposed to the air. The entire genus contains filamentous spongin threads filling the choanosome, which make the sponges extremely tough and difficult to tear and gives it reticulated sand pattern on surface.
Color
Purple to white, pinkish-purplish. Often mottled with various shades or pink, white, and purple.
Habitat & Depth
Tropical and temperate reefs. To 40m depth.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant. Found on tops of ledges, crevices, and rocky outcroppings. Grows in various shapes.
Geographic Range
Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Western Atlantic to Virginia
Behavior & Notes
Ircinia variabilis may not be a recognized species but has been assigned to describe the variation in growth morphs of I. felix.
Synonyms