Species Overview

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KeyPics/cc163A.jpg

Myxilla sp. 5 [of Lee].

Synonyms:

SPONGE:
Shape: Encrusting; amorphous
Size_thickness: to 2 cm
Color: Vinaceous - purple (Ridgeway).
HABITAT:
Benthic Region: Marine: Subtidal
Distribution: Southern California

CHARACTERS

Surface:
Texture: superficially smooth
Contour: covered with nodules and small tubercles
Oscula:
Shape: round to irregular
Diameter: 1--2 mm
Ectosome:
Architecture: thick layer of Tornotes either parallel to the surface or splayed at different angles
Choanosome:
Architecture: Tracts of Acanthostyles with points that rise up and branch towards the surface.
Megasclere:
Shape: Acanthostyles
Length: 89 -123- 162 µ
Width: 12 -17- 24 µ
Megasclere:
Shape: Tornotes
Length: 109 -142- 159 µ
Width: 8 -10- 12 µ
Microsclere:
Shape: Anchorate Isochelae
Length: 15 -19- 22 µ
Skeleton:
Composition: Silicate
Architecture: Tracts of Acanthostyles with points that rise up and branch towards the surface.