Terpios hoshinota, Rutzler and Muzik, 1993

Yomogida, Masashi, Mizuyama, Masaru, Kubomura, Toshiki & Reimer, James Davis, 2017, Disappearance and Return of an Outbreak of the Coral-killing Cyanobacteriosponge in Southern Japan., Zoological Studies 56 (7), pp. 1-10 : 2

Terpios hoshinota identification

In this study, we surveyed the same location within Yakomo as previously reported ( Reimer et al. 2011b). This previous report also identified the black encrusting cyanobacteriosponge at this site as T. hoshinota based on both the external form and internal spicules, with further confirmation of species identity via molecular analyses. In the field, Terpios hoshinota can be identified easily as it forms a <1 mm thin coating that is slightly thicker at areas sheltered from waves and current. The color is bright gray in areas that are exposed to sunlight, and generally darker gray, black, or dark brown in shaded areas. There are osculae (2~ 3 mm in diameter) visible on the body with peripheral radially arranged astrorhizae (see Fig. 1 in Reimer et al. 2011b).

Transect surveys

Figures

Fig. 1. (A) Location of Okinaerabu-jima Island, Kagoshima, Japan in the northwestern Pacific and, (B) map of Yakomo coast on Okinoerabu-jima Island. Red dotted box shows the Terpios hoshinota survey area, white dotted lines show the approximate area of T. hoshinota along the coast, and red solid lines approximate locations of permanent transects. Images from Google Earth.