Sponge Guide

UNCW National Science Foundation Valdosta State University Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

  • black

Morphology:

  • massive

Consistency:

  • soft
  • tough

Sample Locations:

  • Bahamas

Spongia “tubulifera” -“fouled”

Notes: Globular masses. Skin color is black, but appears heavily fouled in between scattered oscules, which can be elevated as chimneys; they end in a conical collar. Interior creamy white. Fiber similar to Spongia sp. “obscura”-“smooth”, thicker than Spongia sp. “obscura”-“shaggy”. Definite identification pending.

Author Reference: (Lamarck, 1814)