Topsentia bahamensis Diaz , van Soest & Pomponi, 1993

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

Topsentia bahamensis Diaz, van Soest & Pomponi, 1993

Fig. 34

Diagnostic features.

Massive, columnar shape with round or blunt tip (10 cm high, 2-4 cm in diameter). The sponge is red-brown externally and tan internally in living sponges. The surface is smooth visually with a sandpaper feel. Five dispersed oscula (1-3 mm in diameter). Very firm in consistency, but crumbly.

Similar species.

Topsentia ophirhaphidites , which has deformed small oxea added to the larger oxea. Petrosiids in general by their reddish brown color and hard brittle consistency. Spicule study needed to distinguish it.

Distribution and abundance.

Currently reported from shallow reefs in southern GOM in northern Yucatan and Belize, and at mesophotic depths in the Bahamas and northwestern GOM at the FGBNMS.

Ecology.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

Identification.

CA, SWK, MCD.

Reference.

Díaz et al. (1993).

Figures

Figure 34. Topsentia bahamensis, 60 m deep. Sample DFH 9 - 11 F.