PORIFERA : BAERIDA : BaeridaeSPONGES

Leuconia johnstoni (Carter, 1871)


Leuconia johnstoni

Description: This sponge normally consists of flask-shaped lobes with terminal openings, resembling a cluster of Scypha ciliata, but with a common basal crust. The colour may be off-white to beige but is often indiscernible due to the amount of silt that is trapped on the surface.

Habitat: Frequently found on vertical bedrock cliffs, overhangs and wrecks in wave exposed sites or strong tidal streams.

Distribution: Widespread throughout the British Isles, Channel coasts of France and Spain.

Similar Species: This species is similar to Leuconia nivea but L. nivea has a smoother surface and doesn't trap silt.

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). Leuconia johnstoni (Carter, 1871). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C570 Accessed on 2025-04-28

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