Spongosorites calcicola Picton & Goodwin, 2007

Spongosorites calcicola

Description: This bright yellow sponge has recently been named. It is massive, with a habit of bridging crevices and may burrow into the rock. The surface is smooth and slightly glossy and there are conspicuous circular oscules with slighly raised rims.

Habitat: Found on limestone rocks at Rathlin Island and several sites on the west coast of Ireland at depths of 20-40m. Usually out of the light, beneath overhangs or in caves.

Distribution: Currently known from several sites on the West and North coasts of Ireland.

Similar Species: Cliona celata is similar in colour but always has well-defined inhalent pore sieves.

Key Identification Features:

• Bright yellow colour
• Thick sponge in limestone areas
• Smooth 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