Niphates alba

Rützler, Klaus, Piantoni, Carla, Van, Rob W. M. & Díaz, Cristina, 2014, Diversity of sponges (Porifera) from cryptic habitats on the Belize barrier reef near Carrie Bow Cay, Zootaxa 3805 (1), pp. 1-129 : 84

Niphates alba van Soest, 1980

Synonymy and references. Niphates alba van Soest, 1980: 40, fig. 14, pls. 6: 4, 7: 1. Protophlitaspongia antillana Pulitzer- Finali, 1986:138, figs. 59, 60.

Material. USNM 1229114, Curlew Bank forereef cave, 20 m; C. Piantoni, col. 28 Jun 2007.

External morphology. An erect, cylindrical branch emerging from a small cushion, 12 cm long, 15–23 mm in diameter. Two obvious oscula, flush with the surface, 2–4 mm diameter, numerous smaller pores of undetermined function. Rough surface, stiff elastic consistency. Color light gray, with tan to orange tinge in the crustose part.

Skeleton structure. The ectosomal skeleton is a meshwork of 20–60 µm thick fibers cored by spicules. In the choanosome, the skeleton is formed by robust, ascending, interconnected fibers cored and accompanied by spicules. Primary fibers up to 100 µm in diameter, secondary fibers 30–80 µm.

Spicules. Isodiametric oxeas with abrupt, dull points, approaching strongylote forms; a few are styloid: 150–180 x 6–9 (164 x 8) Μm.

Ecology. The only specimen encountered was found in a forereef cave, in 20 m; elsewhere reported from reefs in 20– 40 m.

Distribution. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.