Auletta syncinularia (Schmidt, 1870)

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 syncinularia (Schmidt, 1870)

Fig. 16

Diagnostic features

(young specimen). Single white tube (1-3 mm wide, 1.6 cm high). Surface rugose. One oscule on top of the tube. As adults this species grows as a cluster of smooth slender tubes (3-10 cm long, 1 cm wide), with a peduncle (2-3 cm long). Spicules are highly conserved (sinuous strongyles and styles present in two or three size classes.

Similar species.

The young specimens of Auletta sp. nov. 1 (described below).

Distribution and abundance.

Auletta syncinularia is reported from the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Barbados, and Azores (70-159 m deep); elsewhere, down to 200 m depth ( Alvarez et al. 1998). At FGBNMS the species was collected once at Elvers Bank growing on a rock with Hexactinellids and black corals.

Ecology.

This species was found associated with a rock where a large hexactinellid was growing (DFH3-23).

Identification.

MCD.

Reference.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Figures

Figure 16. Auletta syncinularia, young specimen, collected on a rock at 147 m deep. Sample GFOE 3 - 23 F.