Axinella flustra Topsent, 1892

Description: This sponge forms flattened blades attached to the substratum by a small stalk and expanded base. The blades are typically wavy or ridged. The surface has a mealy appearance with small oscules and convergent excurrent channels.

Habitat: Found offshore on open exposed coasts in deep water, usually below 35m.

Distribution: Western coasts of Ireland, Aran Islands and Kerry Head shoals. Western English Channel.

Similar Species: Very distinctive. On the French coast Endectyon teissieri has a similar flattened form.

Key Identification Features:

• Distinctive stalked flattened shape
• Oscules with excurrent channels

Distribution Map from BioMar data for Ireland - Google Earth map:  download this placemark (not got Google Earth installed?)

Distribution Map from NBN: JNCC MNCR data - Grid map National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.