PORIFERA : BUBARIDA : Bubaridae | SPONGES |
![]() |
Bubaris vermiculata |
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:
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). Bubaris vermiculata (Bowerbank, 1862). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C3730 Accessed on 2023-12-10 |
Copyright © National Museums NI, 2002-2023 |