Bubaris vermiculata (Bowerbank, 1862)

Description: This a bright red coloured encrusting sponge with a 'bumpy' surface. It often grows in large patches (30cm across) on silty bedrock, usually only the raised bumps can be seen projecting through the layer of silt.

Habitat: On deep upward facing bedrock on exposed coasts but also on sheltered cliff faces in Kenmare River, Co Kerry.

Distribution: Known recently from Kenmare River, south-west Ireland, and scattered localities on the west and north-west coasts of Ireland.

Similar Species: Can be difficult to distinguish from other red crusts, especially Microciona spinarcus which also has a 'bumpy' surface, but the particular shade of red and the vermiform spicules are characteristic.

Key Identification Features:

• 'Bumpy' red crust.
• Vermiform spicules.

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.