PORIFERA : POECILOSCLERIDA : MyxillidaeSPONGES

Myxilla incrustans (Johnston, 1842)


Myxilla incrustans

Description: This sponge consists of a thick spreading cushion, with raised ridges. The colour is usually pale to sulphur yellow. The surface is distinctive, it consists of numerous deep labyrinthine channels, across which run cobweb-like strands of tissue.

Habitat: Frequent on vertical and gently sloping sublittoral bedrock in areas exposed to wave action or strong tidal streams.

Distribution: Recently known from several sites around the British Isles.

Similar Species: May be confused with Iophonopsis nigricans but this species becomes black on contact with air and on preservation. It is also similar to Myxilla rosacea which is usually pink to orange in colour but may also be yellow. Initially identification will need to be checked by careful examination of the spicules.

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). Myxilla incrustans (Johnston, 1842). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C6450 Accessed on 2024-09-15

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