Sponge Guide

UNCW National Science Foundation Valdosta State University Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Observed Characteristics:

Color:

  • gray
  • brown
  • cream
  • cinnamon-tan

Morphology:

  • encrusting
  • massive

Consistency:

  • tough

Sample Locations:

  • Bahamas

Ircinia sp.-“creamy/dirty morphotype”

Notes: Thickly encrusting to massive, sometimes irregular. It usually has large conules, sometimes interconnected by ridges. The color is dirty yellow to cream or gray. Oscules are dark, scattered or in groups. This group may comprise specimens of various Ircinia species, whose surface embedds a lot of sediment and thus appears dirty.