Ircinia sp. 2

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

Ircinia sp. 2

Fig. 61

Diagnostic features.

Cushion shape to massive (5 cm thick). The surface is finely conulose (<1 mm high, and 1-2 mm apart). Color alive is pink to reddish brown externally, tan internally. Small oscula 2-4 mm in diameter) with a thin white membrane around their rim, sparsely distributed on the sponge. The sponge is compressible but tough to cut.

Similar species.

The species appears similar to Neopetrosia proxima and its closest species. Neopetrosia proxima lacks the conules, has a harder consistency, and a spicular skeleton, while Ircinia possess a skeleton of spongin fibers and filaments that may incorporate foreign particles (sand, and broken spicules).

Distribution and abundance.

At FGBNMS the species was found once at one site.

Ecology.

Coralline algal reefs.

Identification.

CA, KR, SK, MCD.

Reference.

van Soest 1978.

Figures

Figure 61. Ircinia sp. 2, 55 m deep. Sample DFH 9 - 9 A.