Aplysina cf. archeri (Higgin,1875)

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

Aplysina cf. archeri (Higgin,1875)

Fig. 49A, B

Diagnostic features.

Clusters of short tubes that spread laterally. SP04 was 10-20 cm high, and 3-5 cm in diameter, and SP25 was 3-10 cm high 3-6 cm wide, pink to deep purple in color. Fistulose rods sporadically grow out from the tubes. Surface rugose and microconulose. Roundish tube tops, more pronounced on SP25. The specimens are tentatively identified from the photographs as Aplysina cf. archeri due to the predominance of short roundish tubes, and lateral growth; no samples were available for analysis.

Similar species.

At least three species of Aplysina can be a cluster of short tubes, viz. A. fistularis , A. insularis , and A. muricyana but their color is mostly yellow. Collection and genetic data would be very helpful to discern these species.

Distribution and abundance.

Aplysina archeri is common at shallow coral reefs in Florida (Dry Tortugas) and throughout the Caribbean. This species might be a morphological variant of the species or a closely related species which occurs as a single or clumps of elongated purplish tubes.

Ecology.

Coral communities, sandy substrates.

Identification.

MCD.

References.

van Soest 1978; Pinnheiro et al. 2007.

Figures

Figure 49. Aplysina cf. archeri, at 43 - 76 m deep. Photo code A SP 04 and B SP 25.