Star encrusting sponge
Halisarca caerulea
Description:
Flat incrustations, several mm in thickness and several square cm in lateral expansion, with very characteristic star-shaped oscules and canal system. These star-shaped systems are isolated from each other by a cm at least of flat featureless surface (H. caerulea-close up). Slimy-smooth when touched. The consistency is toughish, not very compressible.
Color:
Light purple.
Habitat:
Encrust dead areas of reefs and walls.
Distribution:
Occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.