Verongula rigida (Esper, 1794)

Fig. 50

Diagnostic features.

Massive lobate to tubular species. This sample had multiple tubes of different lengths (4-20 cm high, 2-4 cm wide). Reddish yellow in color when alive, purple as dry or in alcohol. The surface is rugose to verrucose, ribbed, but smooth to the touch, not like sandpaper. One oscule (0.8-1 cm) on top of each tube, the opening extending the length of sponge. Oscula with a flat diaphragm-like contractile membrane darker in color. The consistency is firm but compressible, fibrous, and tough.

Similar species.

Specimens of this species with slightly ribbed surface can be confused with Aiolochroia crassa . Some morphotypes of Smenospongia aurea can also look like short tubes of Verongula rigida .

Distribution and abundance.

This species is common at shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. At FGBNMS, rare, found only at three sites.

Ecology.

Heavily silted lower mesophotic reefs.

Identification.

KR.

Reference.

Wiedenmayer 1977.