Common Sponge - Hymedesmia jecusculum

Characteristics:

This is a deep orange or red, encrusting sponge. It forms thin sheets, usually less than 10 cm across. The surface is smooth and often, but not always, with oscules (openings) present. It may be confused with the similar Phorbas fictitus, well known from southern parts of Europe.

Habitat:

Often seen on hard, rocky substrate, usually deeper than 20 meters.

Distribution:

This is a very common sponge around the British Isles and along the coast of Norway, at least as far north as Trøndelag.