Observed Characteristics:
Color:
- orange
Morphology:
- bushy
- encrusting
- vase
Consistency:
- tough
Locations:
- Bahamas
- United States
Species Description and Notes
Notes: Originally placed under genus Axociella. Also known as Clathria (Microciona) simpsoni van Soest, 1984. Bright red vases, single or in groups, with the outer surface very spiny. May be confused with Mycale laxissima (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864), also pictured here, but the latter is usually dark purple, is much more mucous, and has a different spicule complement.
Author Reference: (Alcolado, 1984)
Link: World Porifera Database
Tissue and Spicule Images
Images
(Microciona) echinata
- Location: Bahamas, Sweetings Cay
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik
- Location: United States, Florida Keys
- Photographer: Joseph Pawlik
- Location: United States, Florida Keys
- Photographer: Sven Zea