Zea's sponge
Pseudaxinella reticulata
(Ridley & Dendy, 1886)
Description:
Massive-amorphous, lobate, flabellate globular or mound shaped. Surface with short conules or tubercles (0.5 mm high), evenly distributed, 0.5-2 mm apart; or tall conules or tubercles (1-2 mm high), either connected or aligned as meandering ridges, irregularly distributed, 1-3 mm apart, generally in mound-shaped specimens. Oscules conspicuous (P. reticulata-close up), circular, with a contractile diaphragm, either flush or slightly elevated. Some specimens associated with zoanthids; some specimens feel slimy.
Color:
Orange to bright red.
Habitat:
Occurs in rock patches, on mangrove roots and on coral reefs at depths between 0.5 and 70 meters.
Distribution:
Widely distributed in the Caribbean, from Florida to Venezuela.