Stinker sponge
Ircinia felix
(Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)
Description:
Globular or angularly cake-shaped sponges, 12-14 cm in maximal diameter, but also flatly encrusting, lamellar or ramose specimens are found. The surface is finely conulose (I. felix-close up) when compared to Ircinia campana and Ircinia strobilina. The conules are about 1-2 mm high and about 2-3 mm apart. The oscules are typically provided with a dark, blackish purple rim. They are irregularly scattered over the surface and have a diameter of 1-8 mm. The consistency of the sponge is tough, compressible and difficult to cut or tear.
Color:
Brown.
Habitat:
Inhabit shallow to mid-range reefs, often grow near living corals. It is also found in lagoons.
Distribution:
From Florida to NE Venezuela.