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Demospongiae > Poecilosclerida > Microcionidae > Clathria (Microciona) echinata

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

orange

Morphology:

bushy
encrusting
vase

Consistency:

tough

Sample 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

 

Images

Clathria (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