Observed Characteristics:
Color:
- red
- brown
- orange
- cinnamon-tan
Morphology:
- massive
- vase
Consistency:
- crumbly
Locations:
- Bahamas
- Netherland Antilles
Species Description and Notes
Notes: “Touch-me-not sponge.” In the Bahamas it occurs as thick encrustation to tall masses with scattered wide and deep atria, maroon to orange-brown; oscules inside atria are directed diagonally upwards. In other Caribbean areas it consists of large vases/tubes, single or in groups, while in the Bahama it appears as if these vases had laterally fused. It produces strong itching when handled.
Author Reference: (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)
Link: World Porifera Database
Tissue and Spicule Images
Images
nolitangere
- Location: Little San Salvador, Bahamas
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik
- Location: Little San Salvador, Bahamas
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik
- Location: Great Abaco, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: Great Abaco, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: San Salvador, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: San Salvador, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: San Salvador, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: Bonaire, Netherland Antilles
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik
- Location: Curaçao, Netherland Antilles
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik