Clathria sp. 1

Fig. 32

Diagnostic features.

Massive with short, protruding, flattened, digitate branches, forming a roundish bush. Colored red in life. Surface minutely porous and with a translucent veil (dermis). Oscula not visible. This species belongs to the genus Clathria; however, species identifications require spicule analysis.

Similar species.

Several branching bushy Clathria species are described by Gomez (2014). Few of those species have been photographed alive, and their appearance changes dramatically once they are taken out of the water.

Distribution and abundance.

Arborescent Clathria species are diverse and well-known from the Gulf of Mexico (Gomez 2014). At the FGBNMS this species has been documented on mesophotic depths at three sites.

Ecology.

Sandy substrates.

Identification.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Reference.

Gomez 2014.