Agelas cf. citrina Gotera & Alcolado, 1987

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

Agelas cf. citrina Gotera & Alcolado, 1987

Fig. 3

Diagnostic features.

Massive amorphous to thick crust (≤ 3 cm thick), bright orange to reddish externally. The surface is convoluted with irregular folds and depressions. Oscula round, sparse, 2-5 mm wide.

Similar species.

Agelas clathrodes has key-holed and round oscula. Agelas cerebriformis has a convoluted surface but it is brown and tubular.

Distribution and abundance.

Agelas citrina occurs on shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Found on mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS, Cuba (50-61 m deep), and South Carolina MPA (52 m depth). At FGBNMS, rare to moderate in abundance and a widespread distribution occurring at 11 sites.

Ecology.

Lower mesophotic reefs and heavily silted reefs in FGBNMS region. A strong, particular garlic-like odor is associated with all regional variants. This morphotype is referred to as cf. since it does not have the typical flabellate shape nor the orangish color.

Identification.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

References.

Díaz et al. 2019, 2021; Parra-Velandia et al. 2014; Zea et al. 2014.

Figures

Figure 3. Agelas cf. citrina, 50 m deep. Sample DFH 9 - 7 E.