Aplysina sp. 1

Diaz, Maria Cristina, Nuttall, Marissa, Pomponi, Shirley A., Ruetzler, Klaus, Klontz, Sarah, Adams, Christi, Hickerson, Emma L. & Schmahl, G. P., 2023, An annotated and illustrated identification guide to common mesophotic reef sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hexactinellida, and Homoscleromorpha) inhabiting Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and vicinities, ZooKeys 1161, pp. 1-68 : 1

Aplysina sp. 1

Fig. 48

Diagnostic features.

A single white tube (7 cm high, 3-4 cm wide); the sponge turns to medium brown color in alcohol. The surface is verrucose to finely conulose, and firm in consistency. One apical oscule (6 mm wide) with a thin membrane.

Similar species.

The overall growth form of this species is similar to that of Aplysina archeri . However, Aplysina archeri tubes are usually much larger, and invariably a pink to violet color at all its depth range of distribution. A similar whitish Aplysina with larger dimensions was observed in Cuba at 58 and 81 m deep.

Distribution and abundance.

This is a unique and rare species of Aplysina , found in mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS and Pulley Ridge. At FGBNMS it was found once at the east Flower Gardens bank.

Ecology.

Found at coralline algal reef, algal nodule, lower mesophotic reef.

Identification.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

References.

van Soest 1978; Pinheiro et al. 2007.

Figures

Figure 48. Aplysina sp. 1 at 88 m deep. Sample DFH 9 - 2 B.