Isodictya palmata (Ellis & Solander, 1786)

Isodictya palmata

Description: Isodictya palmata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) is a large palmate deep-water sponge, occurring in the boreal and sub-arctic North Atlantic. Smaller specimens may resemble Haliclona oculata or H . simulans, but from these it may be readily distinguished by the arrangement of the oscules in groups along the edges of the flattened branches. Erect, digitate, up to 35 cm high, with variably compressed branches of ca. 2.5 cm wide, which may coalesce into plate-shaped areas.

Habitat: Attached to bedrock.

Distribution: A northern species, recorded from the North Sea coasts of Scotland and England.

Similar Species: This species looks like a larger and more robust version of Haliclona oculata but is immediately distinguishable by the position of the oscules.

Key Identification Features:

• Large erect, branching sponge with flattened branches
• Oscules with slightly raised rims on flattened side of branches.

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