Sponge Guide

UNCW National Science Foundation Valdosta State University Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

  • red
  • black
  • brown
  • orange
  • purple-violet
  • cinnamon-tan

Morphology:

  • branching
  • encrusting
  • fan
  • massive

Consistency:

  • soft
  • tough

Sample Locations:

  • Bahamas
  • Saint Lucia
  • United States

Amphimedon compressa

Notes: Thickly encrusting, massive, flabellated or branching, from dark brown to purple to bright red, sometimes dark orange; all apparently seem the same species, with a reticulation of spongin fibers filled with oxea spicules. Dark specimens may be confused with black Amphimedon complanata (Duchassaing, 1850), also pictured here.

Author Reference: Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864

 

Link: World Porifera Database