Encrusting turret sponge

The encrusting turret sponge (Haliclona (Haliclona) stilensis), is a species of demosponge.[1][2] It is known around the southern African coast, from Namibia to the South African south coast.[2]

Encrusting turret sponge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Haplosclerida
Family: Chalinidae
Genus: Haliclona
Subgenus:
Haliclona
Species:
H. (H.) stilensis
Binomial name
Haliclona (Haliclona) stilensis
Burton, 1933

Description

The encrusting turret sponge grows to about 1 cm thick. It is a thinly encrusting sponge which is highly variable in both shape and colour. It may be encrusting with small turrets or form branching structures with tall turrets. Turrets have large oscula at their apexes. Its colour ranges from beige to dark purple.[2]

Habitat

This sponge lives from the subtidal zone and down to at least 15m underwater. It may encrust mussels or other hard surfaces or be found under stones in sheltered to moderately exposed areas.[3]

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References
  1. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=234296 accessed 25 November 2010
  2. Samaai, T. and Gibbons, M.J. 2005. Demospongiae taxonomy and biodiversity of the Benguela region on the west coast of South Africa. Afr. Nat. Hist. 1(1):1–96
  3. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008. ISBN 978-0-620-41639-9
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