Leuconia nivea (Grant, 1826)

Description: On the low shore this sponge usually grows as a hard encrustation that is white to pale grey in colour. Sublittorally it often forms a hard cushion with lobes and ridges.

Habitat: Common beneath boulders on the low shore. Also found sublittorally in areas of strong water movement.

Distribution: A common species in the British Isles.

Similar Species: May be confused with Leuconia johnstoni however L. nivea has a smooth, clean surface whereas the former traps silt and has a dirty appearance.

Key Identification Features:

• Hard to the touch.
• Forms a cushion with lobes and ridges.

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

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

Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C580

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