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Demospongiae > Verongida > Aplysinidae > Aplysina cauliformis -"lilac creeping morphotype"

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

pink-lilac
cinnamon-tan

Morphology:

branching

Consistency:

tough

Sample 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)

Images

Aplysina cauliformis -"lilac creeping morphotype"


Location: Bahamas, Sweetings Cay
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Little San Salvador
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Bahamas, Little San Salvador
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Little San Salvador
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Plana Cays
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Sweetings Cay
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Sweetings Cay
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Sweetings Cay
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, San Salvador
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, San Salvador
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Netherland Antilles, Bonaire
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Netherland Antilles, Curaçao
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Bahamas, Hogsty Reef
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Bahamas, Hogsty Reef
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik