Craniella cranium - Marine Life Encyclopedia

Craniella cranium (O F Müller, 1776)

Craniella cranium

Description: Tetilla cranium is a spherical sponge, typically the size of a golf ball. It is a frequent species in deep water but rarely found in depths which divers can reach. The surface is conulose and there is usually a group of osculae at the top which are flush with the surface.

Habitat: In relatively shallow water found on limestone platforms off exposed coasts. Becomes more common below 50m depth.

Distribution: Recent records from depths of 30-45m are from two areas on the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands and Kerry Head shoals.

Similar Species: Tethya citrina is similar in appearance but has a much rougher surface. It is common.

Key Identification Features:

Orange spherical sponge with conulose surface

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database

Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Craniella cranium (O F Müller, 1776). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C1890 Accessed on 2024-09-19

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