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Demospongiae > Poecilosclerida > Desmacellidae > Neofibularia nolitangere

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

red
brown
orange
cinnamon-tan

Morphology:

massive
vase

Consistency:

crumbly

Sample Locations:

Bahamas
Netherland Antilles

Species Description and Notes

Notes: "Touch-me-not sponge." In the Bahamas it occurs as thick encrustation to tall masses with scattered wide and deep atria, maroon to orange-brown; oscules inside atria are directed diagonally upwards. In other Caribbean areas it consists of large vases/tubes, single or in groups, while in the Bahama it appears as if these vases had laterally fused. It produces strong itching when handled.

Author Reference: (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)

 

Link: World Porifera Database

 

Images

Neofibularia nolitangere


Location: Bahamas, Little San Salvador
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Bahamas, Little San Salvador
Photographer: Joseph Pawlik

Location: Bahamas, Great Abaco
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, Great Abaco
Photographer: Sven Zea

Location: Bahamas, San Salvador
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