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Sponges, Phylum Porifera, Part 9

To: Sponges Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10,

 

By Bob Fenner

 

Family Spirastrellidae: Characterized as most Poriferans by minute structural details. Contain peculiar spicules (spinispirae). Megascleres are tylostyles, generally radially arranged. Some species bore into rock, corals, leading to their disintegration.

Spirastrella coccinea, a relatively common encrusting sponge, here in Cozumel, a close-up by Diana.F.

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Spirastrella hartmani, High-Veined Encrusting Sponge. Salmon to light orange in color. Distinctive raised elements with ribs and big osculae. Roatan 2019.

Spirastrella (Sphenciospongia) vagabunda Ridley 1884, the Vagabond Boring Sponge. Bores its way into carbonate places (rock, corals...) by acidic secretion. An important group of organisms for "recycling" limestone. Hawai'i photos. 

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Genus Strongylophora: 

Strongylophora sp., Amorphous Cave Sponge. Creamy though hard to the touch, fuzzy finger-like appearance. Found deep in caves and lava tubes (Pukas), covering walls at times. Kona pix. 

Genus Stylinos: 

Stylinos sp., Orange Stylinos Sponge. Rough cellulose appearance. Soft material that is easily torn, but don't touch. This sponge will stain and irritate skin. Only a few inches across. Kona pix. 

Genus Stylotella: 

Stylotella aurantium (Halicohondrida, Halichondriidae), Fiji and the P.I. 

Genus Suberites: 

Suberites sp., Blue Suberites Sponge. Intensely blue, as thin sheets. Occurs in high surge areas. Colonies in crevices are a few inches across. Kona pix. 

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Genus Tedania: 

Tedania ignis, Fire Sponge. Tropical West Atlantic down to 35 ft. 4-12 inches overall. Distinctive volcano-like excurrent openings. Orange to bright red in color overall. Irritating to the touch. Bahamas and Bonaire pix.

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Genus Theonella: 

Theonella swinhoei Red Sea image. 

Genus Ulosa: 

Ulosa ruetzleri, the Orange Lumpy Encrusting Sponge. Up to a foot across. Found mostly about dead corals and Mangrove roots. TiffB pic in Curacao.

Genus Xestospongia: 

Xestospongia muta, the Giant Barrel Sponge. To six feet in height. Rough, jagged, very hard exterior. Bahamas pic. 

Verticals (Full/Cover Page Sizes Available)
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To: Sponges Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10,

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