| PORIFERA : VERONGIDA : Ianthellidae | SPONGES |
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| Hexadella topsenti |
Description: Previously reported as Hexadella racovitzai this species was shown to be a species complex in 2012. Atlantic specimens belong to the new species Hexadella topsenti. (Reveillaud et al., 2012)
This sponge looks like a thinly stretched skin extending across rock surfaces. It has a few large oscules with transparent rims, which collapse on disturbance. The colour is usually pink to grey. Patches extend to 20cm or more across. It has no spicules.
Habitat: On steep rock faces and boulders in depths of 20-30m.
Distribution: This species is found in the Mediterranean in the same sites as Hexadella racovitzai which seems to be absent from the NE Atlantic. It is becoming more common in Britain and Ireland. Kerry Head shoals and Aran Islands in western Ireland. Rathlin Island, north Pembrokeshire, Scilly Isles and Plymouth.
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
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| Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Hexadella topsenti Reveillaud, Allewaert, Pérez, Vacelet, Banaigs & Vanreusel, 2012. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C9060 Accessed on 2024-09-17 |
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