Erylus goffrilleri Wiedenmayer, 1977

Diaz, Maria Cristina, Nuttall, Marissa, Pomponi, Shirley A., Ruetzler, Klaus, Klontz, Sarah, Adams, Christi, Hickerson, Emma L. & Schmahl, G. P., 2023, An annotated and illustrated identification guide to common mesophotic reef sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hexactinellida, and Homoscleromorpha) inhabiting Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and vicinities, ZooKeys 1161, pp. 1-68 : 1

Erylus goffrilleri Wiedenmayer, 1977

Fig. 40

Diagnostic features.

Massive amorphous to lobate. Dark brown color that lightens towards the base of the lobes. Smooth surface, slight wrinkles when out of water. One apical oscule, on top of each lobe (4-8 mm wide), with a paler colored membrane. Compressible but dense in consistency, easily breakable.

Similar species.

Several species of Erylus from the tropical western Atlantic are very similar in external appearance. The calthrop-like triaenes and the tylasters allows its distinction from co-occurring species.

Distribution and abundance.

Reported in shallow and mesophotic reefs in the Bahamas and Jamaica. First report of this species for the GOM at FGBNMS region, found at low abundance (1-10), at Geyer Bank.

Ecology.

Algal nodules.

Identification.

KR, CS, SWK, MCD.

Reference.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Figures

Figure 40. Erylus goffrilleri 69 m deep. Sample GFOE 3 - 32.