Porifera
Smenospongia cerebriformis
1. In situ (Rob Ruzicka)
2. In situ (Rob Ruzicka)
3. In situ (Rob Ruzicka)
4. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
5. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
6. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
7. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
Size
Colony height and width: reaching to 10cm (4")
Recognition Characters
Growth pattern forms irregular upright lobes or masses. Interior marked by longitudinal canals running through sponge that lead to inhalant openings. Consistency is firmly spongy. Surface is hispid due to reticulation of fibers.
Color
Dark purple, brown to olive-brown
Habitat & Depth
Tropical and temperate reefs. To 40m depth
Distribution at GRNMS
Common. Found on top of ledges and rocky outcroppings.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Fasciospongia cerebriformis
van Soest 1978