Observed Characteristics:
Color:
- brown
- cinnamon-tan
Morphology:
- encrusting
Consistency:
- soft
- tough
Locations:
- Bahamas
Species Description and Notes
Notes: Previously known as cosmopolitan Chondrilla nucula Schmidt, 1862 (a name used originally for Mediterranean populations). In recent work it was demonstrated that Caribbean populations are a separate species, segretated in two ecological morphs, possibly also different species. The forma caribensis is graysh to reddish brown, thickly encrusting, often lobed. It inhabits mangrove and shallow lagoons. The other form of the species (hermatypica Rützler, Duran & Piantoni, 2007), also pictured here, lives in the open reef, is thinner and mustard to greenish yellow.
Author Reference: Rützler, Duran & Piantoni, 2007
Link: World Porifera Database
Tissue and Spicule Images
Images
caribensis forma caribensis
- Location: Sweetings Cay, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: Sweetings Cay, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea
- Location: Sweetings Cay, Bahamas
- Photographer: Sven Zea