PORIFERA : AXINELLIDA : Axinellidae | SPONGES |
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Axinella flustra |
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:
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
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Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Axinella flustra Topsent, 1892. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C3530 Accessed on 2023-12-10 |
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