Orange elephant ear sponge
Agelas clathrodes
(Schmidt, 1870)
Description:
The species is massive, compressed, rising from a narrow base. Larger specimens are broadly flabellate, occasionally with several coalescent fronds. The plane of the fronds is usually contorted. The margin is rounded, lobate or intended. The width is 4 by 6 cm to 20 by 35 cm; the thickness is 1.5 to 5 cm. The surface is covered to a variable degree by a fleshy skin (A. clathrodes-close-up); rough to the touch. The consistency is firmly spongy and resilient.
Color:
The color is brilliant red-orange, somewhat paler internally.
Habitat:
Inhabit reefs and walls; prefer areas with some water movement.
Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.