Brown encrusting octopus sponge
Ectyoplasia ferox
(Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)
Description:
The sponge grows in two habits:
(a) Thickly incrusting, with oscules on top of hemispherical or low conical projections; up to 5 cm thick, with a spread of 30 cm or more (E. ferox habitus).
(b) Massive, erect, often compressed, thickly flabellate, with oscules on lateral, horizontally projecting elevations, and on terminal erect chimneys, which are like turrets, connected by sharply edged crests. The erect chimneys may take over almost completely, clustering, coalescent, up to 10 cm long, gradually tapering, surpassing the connecting ridges.
The oscules in both types are 2-7 mm wide, provided with a recessed, plane, contractile diaphragm. The surface has a felt-like texture; the consistency is spongy, compressible, resilient and easily torn.
Color:
The color is externally a rich brownish orange; internally yellow-orange.
Habitat:
Inhabit reefs and adjacent areas. Often grow over coral rubble and dead areas of the reef.
Distribution:
Occasional Florida Keys; common in the Bahamas and Caribbean.