Neopetrosia subtriangularis
Neopetrosia subtriangularis is a species of marine petrosiid sponges native to the waters off Florida and the Caribbean Sea. They superficially resemble staghorn corals.
Taxonomy
Neopetrosia subtriangularis was originally described by the French naturalist Édouard Placide Duchassaing [de Fontbressin] in 1850 as Spongia subtriangularis. It is classified under the genus Neopetrosia of the family Petrosiidae in the order Haplosclerida.Description
Neopetrosia subtriangularis superficially resemble the staghorn coral in appearance. They form clusters of interconnecting solid branches that tend to sprawl along the substrate, though these branches may sometimes be solitary and erect.The branches are brown, beige, yellow or orange in coloration on the external surfaces, though they may possess a greenish tinge. Internal surfaces are tan to off-white in coloration. They are usually around long and wide and may be laterally flattened. In the Bahamas, the individual branches tend to be wider, around, than in other areas where they average at. They are hard in consistency, but are brittle and easily break off. The surface of the branches are smooth and flat.
The openings are round and in diameter, usually surrounded by a rim of paler colored membrane. They may be located flush on the surface or elevated in small conical chimneys, around tall. They are distributed regularly on the upper surface of the branches, forming neat rows. Individual oscules may sometimes fuse together to form a crest. The spicules are curved cylinders, with pointed or rounded tips at both ends.