Size

Colony height: fistules reaching 5cm (2") Colony width: reaching 30cm (12") in diameter

Recognition Characters

Sponge consists of terete, conical, or clavate digitate fistules rising from a common base. Base of sponge is usually covered by sediment. Fistules can be blind, branching terminally, or provided with large terminal oscule. Specimens growing on rocky substrate with a thin veneer of sediment at the base is encrusting, discontinuous, and buried. Consistency of sponge is soft, compressible, and easily torn. Outer surface is verrucose or compound tuberculate. Oscules are terminal and often crossed by incised rims. Spicules are tylotes, some with elongated heads which may have a terminal point. Smaller microscleres are arcuate isochelae of two sizes and sigmas of two sizes.

Color

Bright orange to yellow-orange or reddish orange.

Habitat & Depth

Mixed sandy and hard bottom habitats to 30m. Tropically, shallow inshore habitats such as mangrove roots and patch reefs.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional. Found adjacent to nearby ledges or rocky outcroppings. Found primarily on sandy substrates with thin, shifting layers of sediment.

Geographic Range

Georgia, Florida, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Wiedenmayer 1977