Scopalina ruetzleri (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

Scopalina ruetzleri (Wiedenmayer, 1977)

Fig. 18

Diagnostic features.

Thick encrusting, occasionally lobate, 1-2 cm thick. The color in life is bright orange to pinkish orange. The surface is conulose (1-2 mm high and 1-4 mm apart) with many large contractile ostia (500 µm wide). The oscula are 1-3 mm in diameter and have a delicate, transparent membrane. The consistency is very soft, delicate, limp, and easily tom.

Similar species.

Thicker specimens of Prosuberites laughlini (with tylostyles) may be confused in the field with Scopalina ruetzleri (with styles). Spicule analysis allows differentiation.

Distribution and abundance.

Common and widespread distribution in shallow water coral reefs and mangroves in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Brazil, and GOM. At FGBNMS it had low abundance (2-10) at two sites.

Ecology.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

Identification.

MCD.

Reference.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Figures

Figure 18. Scopalina ruetzleri, 50 m deep. Photo code SP 23.