Auletta sp. nov. 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

Auletta sp. nov. 1

Fig. 17

Diagnostic features.

Single or double slender tubes (0.5-1 cm in diameter), drab orange in color. Adult specimens are 8-13 cm long, and <5 mm wide (DFH8-15A). A young specimen (GFOE 3-8H) was 2 cm high and 2-4 mm wide. Surface is smooth, microscopically hispid, and porous. Oscula on top of each tube are 4 mm wide. A very thin white membrane surrounds each oscule. Tubes are compressible, but they become harder and thinner towards the base.

Similar species.

The surface and slender tube shape of Auletta syncinularia is similar to this undescribed species of Auletta . It Auletta differs from Auletta syncinularia in having oxeas and anisoxeas (straight and sinuous) and lacking the size categories of styles.

Distribution and abundance.

Found at mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS. Wide-spread distribution in the FGBNMS with medium abundances, from low to common (2-100 individuals) at 13 sites.

Ecology.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

Identification.

MCD, CA.

Reference.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Figures

Figure 17. Auletta sp. nov. 1, 90 - 95 m deep. Samples DFH 8 - 15 A, GFOE 3 - 8 H.