Aplysina cauliformis (Carter, 1882)

Figures 6 a–b

Restricted synonymy:

Luffaria cauliformis Carter, 1882a: 268 (in part).

Aplysina cauliformis; Wiedenmayer 1977: 68, pl. 7 figs 1–3 (with further synonyms); Pinheiro et al. 2007: 8, figs 1B–C, 3B, 4A–C (with additional synonyms).

Material examined. RMNH Por. 9334, Suriname, ‘ Luymes O.C.P.S. II’ Guyana Shelf Expedition, station I115, 7.21°N 54.8617°W, depth 81 m, triangular dredge, 24 April 1969 .

Description. Thin-branched, ramose sponges (two specimens were obtained, Fig. 6 a). Size of largest specimen about 25 cm high, individual branches up to 1.5 cm diameter. Surface finely conulose. Color in alcohol dark pink. Consistency firmly compressible.

Skeleton. (Fig. 6 b) An isotropical reticulation of pithed spongin fibres, 35–100 µm diameter, forming meshes of 200–600 µm diameter. Pith occupies 30–75 % of the fiber diameter.

Distribution and ecology. Guyana Shelf, Greater Caribbean, E and NE Brazil, from 3–100 m depth. Remarks. The present material matches quite closely with Pinheiro et al. ’s (2007) review of the species. The identification is made with confidence, despite the absence of live color information.