Acanthella cf. mastophora (Schmidt, 1870)

Diaz, Maria Cristina, Nuttall, Marissa, Pomponi, Shirley A., Ruetzler, Klaus, Klontz, Sarah, Adams, Christi, Hickerson, Emma L. & Schmahl, G. P., 2023, An annotated and illustrated identification guide to common mesophotic reef sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hexactinellida, and Homoscleromorpha) inhabiting Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and vicinities, ZooKeys 1161, pp. 1-68 : 1

Acanthella cf. mastophora (Schmidt, 1870)

Fig. 14

Diagnostic features.

Globular, slightly flattened (4 cm in diameter and 2-4 cm in height). Pale yellow. The surface has ‘woolly’ -warty appearance due to roundish papillae. Between the papillae there are furrows (1-3 mm deep). The surface is very hairy due to abundant fibrous dense filaments of unknown origin, and projecting spicule brushes. Firm and compressible, with flexible surface projections. The cf. notation is due to predominance of oxea instead of styles. Otherwise, it is very similar to Acanthella mastophora in color, surface, and reticulate spicule arrangement.

Similar species.

Small specimens of Cinachyrella alloclada may have similar appearance. Spicules would allow clear distinction.

Distribution and abundance.

Acanthella mastophora is found in south Florida, North Carolina, Azores and Eastern Atlantic (76-394 m deep). Widespread distribution at FGBNMS with rare to low (1-10) abundances at nine localities.

Ecology.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

Identification.

MCD, CA.

Reference.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Figures

Figure 14. Acanthella cf. mastophora 80 m deep. Sample DFH 9 - 13 B.