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Homoschleromorpha > Homosclerophorida > Plakinidae > Oscarella nathaliae

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

cream

Morphology:

encrusting
fan

Consistency:

soft

Sample Locations:

Bahamas

Species Description and Notes

Notes: Extremely soft sheets, cream in color, semitransparent, inhabiting deep reef cave walls and overhangs. The sponge is only partly attached to the substratum, so that the edges are free. It is extremely difficult to collect as it virtually disintegrates upon handling. No spicules. It has also been pictured in Colin (1978) Caribbean reef invertebrate guide as Halisarca sp.

Author Reference: Ereskovsky, Lavrov & Willenz, 2014

 

Link: World Porifera Database

 

Images

Oscarella nathaliae


Location: Bahamas, Goulding Cay, New Providence
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Goulding Cay, New Providence
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Goulding Cay, New Providence
Photographer: Sven Zea