Print species info – Sponge Guide

Demospongiae > Verongiida > Aplysinidae > Aplysina cauliformis -“lilac creeping morphotype”

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

pink-lilac
cinnamon-tan

Morphology:

branching

Consistency:

tough

Locations:

Bahamas
Netherland Antilles

Species Description and Notes

Notes: There are two clearly separable species, both ramose, within the name Aplysina cauliformis. This morphotype is lilac, thin, creeping, in contrast to the more cinnamon/brownish/cream/greenish, generally thicker, erect form. A valid name for this form should be searched for in the old literature and collections. Curiously, tubular A. archeri (Higgin, 1875) sometimes grow branches that look very much like those of this form, or there are branches that grow low tubes (Zea, 1987; Alcolado, 2002).

Author Reference: (Carter, 1882)