Species Overview

272
KeyPics/cc177A.jpg

Myxilla (Myxilla) sp. 3 [of Lee].

Synonyms:

SPONGE:
Shape: Encrusting; irregular to amorphous
Color_Alive: Deep chrome
Consistency: firm
HABITAT:
Benthic Region: Marine: Intertidal
Distribution: Central California to Northern California.

CHARACTERS

Skeleton:
Composition: Silicate
Architecture: Reticulation super-imposed over ladder-like skeleton. Highly complicated.
Surface:
Appearance: appears granular due to spicule bundles barely penetrating surface.
Oscula:
Density: few
Diameter: 1.0 -- 1.5 mm
Ectosome:
Architecture: Dense
Choanosome:
Architecture: Reticulation super-imposed over ladder-like skeleton. Highly complicated.
Megasclere:
Shape: Styles - Acanthostyles
Length: 48 -(82|105)- 133 µ
Megasclere:
Shape: Styles - Acanthostyles
Length: 145 -(189|190) - 219 µ
Megasclere:
Shape: Tornotes
Length: 152 -174- 195 µ
Microsclere:
Shape: Anchorate Isochelae
Length: 19 -(25|26)- 36 µ
Microsclere:
Shape: Anchorate Isochelae
Length: 32 -(36|40)- 47 µ
Microsclere:
Shape: Sigmas
Length: 10 -(19|20)- 28 µ