Haliclona sp. 1

Fig. 20

Diagnostic features.

Massive encrusting (1 cm thick), orange in color. Surface smooth with tiny pores. Few oscula 2-3 mm wide. Compressible, soft, and crumbly.

Similar species.

This species can be confused with smooth specimens of Pseudaxinella belindae, which is more red-orange in color and has styles for spicules instead of small oxea.

Distribution and abundance.

Mesophotic reefs in northwestern GOM at FGBNMS, and east GOM at Pulley Ridge (MCD, unpublished data). Rare to low abundance at two sites.

Ecology.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs. This is probably an undescribed species of Haliclona .

Identification.

CA, MCD.

Reference.

de Weerdt 2000.