Suberites dandelenae


Suberites dandelenae, the amorphous solid sponge, is a species of deep-sea demosponge from South Africa and Namibia.

Description

This sponge is made up of rounded lobes. Each lobe has a distinct oscule on the top surface. Individual specimens can grow up to in length. It is yellow in colour and has a velvety surface. It breaks easily.

Spicules

Several morphologically similar species occur, but they differ at the spicule level. The following spicules are present in this species:
  • Three distinct size classes of tylostyles.
  • Centrotylostongyles/oxeas.
  • Tylostrongyles.
  • Microacanthostrongyle.

Distribution and habitat

This species is found off the west coast of southern Africa. It is known from the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, where it is found at depths of. It is found on unconsolidated sediments such as sand.

Ecology

This species grows in dense colonies. As much as 18 tons per square kilometer can be collected in a single demersal trawl off some areas of the South African coast. It is considered to be a potential indicator of a vulnerable marine ecosystem.