Orange lumpy encrusting sponge
Scopalina ruetzleri
(Wiedenmayer, 1977)
Description:
The sponge is massive, semi-encrusting, occasionally lobata. The surface is rough-textured with conules, about 1-2 mm high and 1-4 mm apart. The oscules are provided with delicate membranous diaphragms, often consisting of 2 or more adjacent openings (S. ruetzleri-close up). The consistency is very soft, delicate, limp, extremely compressible and easily torn.
Color:
Bright orange to pinkish orange.
Habitat:
Found in a wide variety of habitats, from roots of mangroves to the reef flat in areas with reef rubble and on living reefs, around the edges of living corals.
Distribution:
Common Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.