(Skarnsundet - The Trondheim fjord / 7.04.2001 / 29 meters)

Phylum: Porifera

Class: Demospongiae

Order: Dendroceratida

Family: Darwinellidae

Scientific name: Aplysilla sulfurea

 

Norwegian: -

Distribution: A. sulfurea is well known in most parts of the Atlantic Ocean, including the entire Norwegian coast. It is registered from on all depths from below the tidal zone to 320 meters. It is usually found on rocky substrate, on locations with little natural light.

Characteristics: A. sulfurea forms 3-6 mm thick sheets with small, pointed "spines". It has one or only a few oscules -  openings, 1-3 mm in diameter. The origin of its name is obviously the bright yellow color, although it comes in paler shades of yellow as well. The sponge is soft and compressible.

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