Dactylocalyx pumiceus Stutchbury, 1841

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

Dactylocalyx pumiceus Stutchbury, 1841

Fig. 64

Diagnostic features.

Basal funnel expanded distally forming a plate, or a cup, with a wavy rim. Inner cup surface has elongated pits or grooves, several cm long, <1 cm wide. This sample has not yet been examined but the overall growth form points to this species.

Distribution and abundance.

This is a species with great latitudinal distribution from Florida and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, distributed along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean between 300N and S, at depth of 91-1996 m. The species is also reported off the coast of Portugal. At FGBNMS the species was collected at Elvers Bank where it was found in low (1-10) abundance.

Ecology.

Lower mesophotic reef.

Identification.

MCD.

Reference.

Reiswig 2002.

Figures

Figure 64. In-situ photo of Dactylocalyx pumiceus, 147 m deep. Sample GFOE 3 - 24.