Strange Sponge Cortez Banks SoCal

[Tjack]

Here is a sponge? from Cortez Banks SoCal. It was below 60' deep, I am guessing Microciona parthena but the shape is not quite right. Any ideas?

 

[drbill]

I can't offer an answer, but keep in mind that sponges can be pretty variable in appearance due to environmental factors. For example, I doubt many would guess that our local low growing sulphur sponge is the same as the erect, pipe-like one in the tropics

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Red Beard sponge, Microciona prolifera. I've been finding them on offshore reefs in Palos Verdes. One wall near the Avalon wreck is covered with them.

 

[Tjack]

Thanks again Max, thats a new species for me.

Funny thing about the Sulphur sponge, Dr Bill, is I never find Mushroom Sidegill anywhere near them although they are supposed to love em?