Massive amorphous to thick crust (≤ 3 cm thick), bright orange to reddish externally. The surface is convoluted with irregular folds and depressions. Oscula round, sparse, 2–5 mm wide.

Figure 3. 

Agelas cf. citrina, 50 m deep. Sample DFH9-7E.

Agelas clathrodes has key-holed and round oscula. Agelas cerebriformis has a convoluted surface but it is brown and tubular.

Agelas citrina occurs on shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Found on mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS, Cuba (50–61 m deep), and South Carolina MPA (52 m depth). At FGBNMS, rare to moderate in abundance and a widespread distribution occurring at 11 sites.

Lower mesophotic reefs and heavily silted reefs in FGBNMS region. A strong, particular garlic-like odor is associated with all regional variants. This morphotype is referred to as cf. since it does not have the typical flabellate shape nor the orangish color.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Díaz et al. 2019, 2021; Parra-Velandia et al. 2014; Zea et al. 2014.

Massive, flabellate, orange reddish in color. The surface is rugose, irregularly riddled by round (1–10 mm wide) and key-holed (1–4 cm long) oscula.

Figure 4. 

Agelas clathrodes, 61 m deep. Photo code YG1901L3_IMG_20190831T212309Z.

Agelas citrina flabellate specimens are similar but lack key holed oscula and usually have a paler pinkish or yellowish color.

Common in shallow and mesophotic reefs in North and South Carolina, eastern Florida, throughout the Caribbean, the Guyana shelf, and Brazil.

Coral reefs, coral communities, and coralline algae reefs in FGBNMS region.

MCD, MFN.

Díaz et al. 2019; Parra-Velandia et al. 2014

Flabellate to fan- and cup-shaped, < 3 cm thick, sometimes pedunculated. Brown in color. The surface is smooth with abundant and homogeneously arranged round oscula (4–10 mm) on the upper side, and small unevenly dispersed ostia (1–2 mm wide) on the underside.

Figure 5. 

Agelas dilatata, 46 m deep. Photo code SP-49.

Agelas dispar, a fan-shaped brown species, which is thicker and possesses mostly key-holed oscula.

Previously considered restricted to the Bahamian-Greater Antilles shallow coral reefs (18–30 m deep) and Cuba (90–115 m). This is the first report for the NW GOM, where it is rare at Sonnier Bank.

Coralline algae reefs. Specimen is overgrown by a film of green algae. A unique alkaloid isolated from a Yucatan specimen is bioactive against a multidrug-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pech-Puch et al. 2020).

MCD.

Díaz et al. 2019; Parra-Velandia et al. 2014.

Flagelliform branching; single or multiple branches (ca. 1–2 cm wide, ≤ 50 cm height). Red to orange in color. Branches have different lengths, and they can be straight, bent, or laterally fused forming flabellate bodies. Surface rugose and porous, with flattened or rounded processes. Oscula are sparse along the side of branches, hardly visible. Branches are compressible and firm. The identification given to this specimen is based on the external morphology and observations of the live photo.

Figure 6. 

Ptilocaulis cf. walpersii, 60 m deep, Photo code SP-01.

Ptilocaulis marquezi (with oxeas and styles) and Higginsia coralloides (with acanthose micro-oxeas added to large oxeas and styles). Ptilocaulis walpersii has only styles as spicules. The cf. is placed since the spicules could not be corroborated. Higginsia coralloides consists of shorter (≤ 10 cm height) and thicker branches (3–5 cm wide).

Ptilocaulis walpersii is widely distributed on shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean, Florida, and Bermuda (0.5–35 m); recently reported at the southern GOM, 4–20 m deep (Ugalde et al. 2021). This is the first report from the northwestern GOM on mesophotic reefs. Common on Cuban mesophotic reefs. At FGBNMS, rare abundance and documented only at West Flower Garden Bank.

Coralline algae reefs.

MCD, CA.

Alvarez et al. 1998; Ugalde et al. 2021.

Massive amorphous to thick encrusting (3.5 cm thick). Brown reddish to orange in color externally, orange internally. Surface highly ornamented by plates and shallow grooves. Oscula in low abundance and irregularly arranged.

Figure 7. 

Myrmekioderma gyroderma. 60–72 m deep. Samples DFH9-11A, DFH9-5B.

Very similar to Didiscus oxeatus, and Myrmekioderma rea; this last species presents a smoother appearance and few thinner grooves. Only a spicule analysis allows to distinguish between them. Didiscus spp. have discorhabds as microscleres, Myrmekioderma rea has only straight trichodragmata, while Myrmekioderma gyroderma has twisted long trichodragmata.

Shallow and mesophotic reefs, throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. At the FGBNMS the species presents low to medium abundance (2–100 individuals) at nine sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Alcolado 1984; Pomponi et al. 2019.

Thickly encrusting to palmate. Brown to reddish externally, orange internally. Rugose to smooth surface. Oscula on tips of chimneys. Pale colored oscular membranes. Compressible, easy to break.

Figure 8. 

Ectyoplasia ferox, 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-12C.

This species is quite variable in color and level of rugosity. Massive and smooth forms of Cliona varians can be confused with it. Spicule composition allows a definitive diagnosis.

Throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and SE Brazil, very common in shallow coral reefs. Mesophotic reefs in Cuba. At FGBNMS the species is rare to low in abundance (1–10) at five sites.

Coralline algae reefs, coral communities, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977; Ugalde et al. 2021

Massive to crustose, brown reddish to orange in color externally, orange internally. Highly ornamented surface consisting of variously shaped plates and vermiform grooves. Few oscula, all with an orange membrane.

Figure 9. 

Didiscus oxeatus, 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-11B.

Myrmekioderma gyroderma and Myrmekioderma rea are very similar externally; the distinction of their microscleres allows their differentiation. Didiscus spp. have discorhabds and Myrmekioderma spp. have trichodragmata (see Boury Esnault and Rützler 1997.

Throughout the Caribbean, SE Brazil, and northern GOM on shallow reefs. Mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS, Lesser and Greater Antilles, Florida, Bahamas, and Brazil (Pomponi et al. 2019). At FGBNMS the species was found once at one site.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Alcolado 1984.

Bushy with several digitate branches diverging from a thicker peduncle. Vermillion red alive. The surface is composed of irregular tubercules, corrugations, or conules with projecting spicules that trap sediment; similar to a cauliflower surface, with interstitial areas where inconspicuous ostia and oscula can be found. Consistency is spongy but firm.

Figure 10. 

Higginsia coralloides, specimen partially buried on sediment, 60 m deep. Note fine sediment on sponge. Samples DFH9-7A,7B.

Younger specimens of Ptilocaulis marquezi (with oxeas and styles) and Ptilocaulis walpersii (with styles) might be confused with Higginsia coralloides (with acanthose micro-oxeas added to large oxeas and styles).

Shallow coral reef and hard substrate at Guyana Shelf, Grenada, Bahamas, Florida, Nicaragua, Yucatan, North Carolina, possibly Brazil (van Soest 2017). Mesophotic depths at Brazil, Guyana, Eastern Antilles, Florida, and Bahamas, and northwestern GOM at FGBNMS. At FGBNMS it is rare to low (1–10) in abundance at six sites.

Lower mesophotic reefs, heavily silted reefs, coralline algae reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Massive sub-spherical barrel growth form, with a top central dip. Color dark brown externally, tan internally. Multiple digitate projections on the surface on the top and side areas of the sponge. Oscula are aggregated on the concave upper depression.

Figure 11. 

Biemna cribaria, 36 m deep. Photo code SP22.

The overall shape is reminiscent of other barrel sponges such as Ircinia strobilina or Spheciospongia vesparium, but the digitate projections of Biemna cribaria, and the skeleton allow their differentiation.

The sponge is rare in occurrence but reported at 20 m from Cuban and Jamaican reefs (Alcolado 1984; Lehnert and van Soest 1998). This is the first report at mesophotic depths and in the northwestern GOM at FGBNMS. At FGBNMS it is rare and was observed only once at Bright Bank.

Coral communities, coralline algae reefs.

MCD.

Lehnert and van Soest 1998.

Massive base with thick lobes (10–30 cm high x 10–15 cm wide). Brown to yellowish in color externally, tan internally. The surface is irregularly corrugated to velvety smooth. The oscula are on top of lobes with a thin paler membrane. This species can grow as a thick barrel or massive crusts. The sponge is soft and friable in consistency. It is well known by its tendency to cause skin irritation.

Figure 12. 

Neofibularia nolitangere, 70 m deep. Sample GFOE3-30 (8-31-19).

The massive size and reddish-brown external color reminiscent of some Neopetrosia spp. Spicules allow clear differentiation.

Coral reefs or rock pavements in shallow depths in southwestern Caribbean (Colombia and Panama), Florida and North Carolina. At FGBNMS it is low to high (2–100+) in abundance at five sites. Thousands of polychaete worms swarmed from the inside of the sponge when it was collected.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, and lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Massive digitiform to lobate with lobes 2 cm wide. Orange, spongy. Surface slightly rugose to conulose. Oscula 4–7 mm wide, on top of lobes, with transparent membranes. Soft, compressible.

Figure 13. 

Acanthella cubensis, 68–88 m deep. Samples DFH9-14A DFH9-2A, DFH9-3D.

Ptilocaulis walpersii (with only oxeas), Ptilocaulis marquezi (with oxeas and styles), while Acanthella cubensis has styles in a wide size range, and sinuous strongyles.

Acanthella cubensis occurs on shallow coral reefs in Cuba, south Caribbean, Florida, and North Carolina. At FGBNMS the species is from rare to medium (1–100) in abundance at 12 sites. The species occurs also at mesophotic rock pavements in South Carolina, inside proposed Charleston shelf MPA at 54 m (Díaz et al. 2021).

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

CA, MCD.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Globular, slightly flattened (4 cm in diameter and 2–4 cm in height). Pale yellow. The surface has ‘woolly’-warty appearance due to roundish papillae. Between the papillae there are furrows (1–3 mm deep). The surface is very hairy due to abundant fibrous dense filaments of unknown origin, and projecting spicule brushes. Firm and compressible, with flexible surface projections. The cf. notation is due to predominance of oxea instead of styles. Otherwise, it is very similar to Acanthella mastophora in color, surface, and reticulate spicule arrangement.

Figure 14. 

Acanthella cf. mastophora 80 m deep. Sample DFH9-13B.

Small specimens of Cinachyrella alloclada may have similar appearance. Spicules would allow clear distinction.

Acanthella mastophora is found in south Florida, North Carolina, Azores and Eastern Atlantic (76–394 m deep). Widespread distribution at FGBNMS with rare to low (1–10) abundances at nine localities.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

MCD, CA.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Clusters of tubes (0.25 –1 cm diameter), arborescent, with short and narrow peduncle; tubes anastomose and are crooked, uneven, and bumpy. Orange to yellowish tan in color. The surface is felt-like, smooth visually. Oscula or vents, on top of the tubes (2–4 mm diameter). Soft and compressible in consistency.

Figure 15. 

Auletta tuberosa, 72–78 m deep. Samples DFH9-13A, DFH9-4A.

the protuberances of the tubes and ramose thick branches make this a unique species. The spicules include slender oxeas, styles, and wavy strongyles allowing distinction from Auletta syncinularia, which contains only styles and wavy strongyles.

Auletta tuberosa is reported from 60–80 m depth at Guyana, southern Caribbean, eastern Antilles, Florida, Bahamas, and southeast GOM (off Cape Sable) where it was originally described. At FGBNMS it has a wide-spread distribution, occurring at 12 sites, with abundance ranging from rare to common (1–100 individuals).

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

MCD, CA.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

(young specimen). Single white tube (1–3 mm wide, 1.6 cm high). Surface rugose. One oscule on top of the tube. As adults this species grows as a cluster of smooth slender tubes (3–10 cm long, 1 cm wide), with a peduncle (2–3 cm long). Spicules are highly conserved (sinuous strongyles and styles present in two or three size classes.

Figure 16. 

Auletta syncinularia, young specimen, collected on a rock at 147 m deep. Sample GFOE3-23F.

The young specimens of Auletta sp. nov. 1 (described below).

Auletta syncinularia is reported from the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Barbados, and Azores (70–159 m deep); elsewhere, down to 200 m depth (Alvarez et al. 1998). At FGBNMS the species was collected once at Elvers Bank growing on a rock with Hexactinellids and black corals.

This species was found associated with a rock where a large hexactinellid was growing (DFH3-23).

MCD.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Single or double slender tubes (0.5–1 cm in diameter), drab orange in color. Adult specimens are 8–13 cm long, and < 5 mm wide (DFH8-15A). A young specimen (GFOE 3-8H) was 2 cm high and 2–4 mm wide. Surface is smooth, microscopically hispid, and porous. Oscula on top of each tube are 4 mm wide. A very thin white membrane surrounds each oscule. Tubes are compressible, but they become harder and thinner towards the base.

Figure 17. 

Auletta sp. nov. 1, 90–95 m deep. Samples DFH8-15A, GFOE 3-8H.

The surface and slender tube shape of Auletta syncinularia is similar to this undescribed species of Auletta. It differs from Auletta syncinularia in having oxeas and anisoxeas (straight and sinuous) and lacking the size categories of styles.

Found at mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS. Wide-spread distribution in the FGBNMS with medium abundances, from low to common (2–100 individuals) at 13 sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

MCD, CA.

Alvarez et al. 1998.

Thick encrusting, occasionally lobate, 1–2 cm thick. The color in life is bright orange to pinkish orange. The surface is conulose (1–2 mm high and 1–4 mm apart) with many large contractile ostia (500 µm wide). The oscula are 1–3 mm in diameter and have a delicate, transparent membrane. The consistency is very soft, delicate, limp, and easily tom.

Figure 18. 

Scopalina ruetzleri, 50 m deep. Photo code SP23.

Thicker specimens of Prosuberites laughlini (with tylostyles) may be confused in the field with Scopalina ruetzleri (with styles). Spicule analysis allows differentiation.

Common and widespread distribution in shallow water coral reefs and mangroves in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Brazil, and GOM. At FGBNMS it had low abundance (2–10) at two sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Thick encrusting (1–5 mm thick). Color in life orange, dark orange, brown-orange, or yellowish. The surface consists of elongated plates, separated by meandering ridges and grooves with pores. The system of plates and ridges is irregular in shape. Consistency hard, rough to the touch.

Figure 19. 

A Placospherastra antillensis, with surface contracted, 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-10C B Placospherastra antillensis relaxed, showing groves with ostia (incurrent pores), and oscula (excurrent openings), 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-11C.

The plates and canals on the surface are similar to Placospongia spp. surface. The intense orange color of Placospherastra antillensis, and the spicules allow their differentiation.

Usually under coral rubble and in reef caves, 20–23 m depth in Bonaire and Belize. First report at mesophotic depths. At FGBNMS the species has a widespread distribution occurring at 11 sites with rare to medium abundance (1–100).

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA.

van Soest, 2009; Rützler et al. 2014.

Massive encrusting (1 cm thick), orange in color. Surface smooth with tiny pores. Few oscula 2–3 mm wide. Compressible, soft, and crumbly.

Figure 20. 

Haliclona (Reniera) sp. 1, 69 m deep. Sample DFH9-6E.

This species can be confused with smooth specimens of Pseudaxinella belindae, which is more red-orange in color and has styles for spicules instead of small oxea.

Mesophotic reefs in northwestern GOM at FGBNMS, and east GOM at Pulley Ridge (MCD, unpublished data). Rare to low abundance at two sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs. This is probably an undescribed species of Haliclona.

CA, MCD.

de Weerdt 2000.

Short repent branch, gray to cream in color, with thorny conules and a porous surface. Few oscula visible (3–4 mm wide). This species commonly grows as erect branches, although repent specimens are reported in the literature.

Figure 21. 

Callyspongia cf. armigera, 63 m deep. Photo code SP42. Sample DFH6-39-6.

The abundant thorny conules and the stiff consistency of this species allows its morphological diferentiation, Pleraplysilla sp. 2 (Fig. 56) has similar pronounced but shorter conules and the sponge is quite soft and less porous that this species.

An occasional species in shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean, south GOM, and Florida. Found at mesophotic reefs in Cuba (52 m) and in northwestern GOM at FGBNMS, occurring in low abundance (2-10) at one site.

Coralline algae reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Thickly encrusting to massive lobate (2–9 cm in thickness). Pinkish to brown externally, tan internally. The surface is smooth but feels like sandpaper. Abundant oscula, 2–3 mm in diameter, and 1–3 cm apart. Oscula have a thin white membrane that contrasts with the darker surface color. The sponge is very firm to hard.

Figure 22. 

Neopetrosia proxima, 53–60 m deep. Samples DFH8-37B, DFH9-7D, DFH9-9C.

This species is similar to other species of Neopetrosia described by Vicente et al. (2019). Details of the surface and spicules allow differentiation.

A common species on shallow rocky shores and reefs to deeper reef habitats with a variety of wave exposures (Zea et al. 2014), also in caves (Perez et al. 2017). Found at mesophotic reefs on the northwestern GOM at FGBNMS and possibly in Cuba, identified as Petrosiidae CU-17 (Díaz et al. 2018). At FGBNMS the species has been found at three sites with abundances from rare to medium (1–100).

Coralline algae reefs, silted lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Vicente et al. 2019.

Round to flattened branching (branches 1–2 cm wide), occasionally anastomosing, with roundish tips. Branches are erect, horizontal, or creeping along the substrate. Red-brown to purple externally and tan internally in live. The tips are paler in color. The surface is very smooth. White rimed oscula, 1–2 mm wide, separated by several cm. The sponge is compressible but firm.

Figure 23. 

Petrosia sp. nov. 1, 73–79 m deep. Sample DFH33-542A.

The growth form of this Petrosia (Petrosia) species in unique.

Mesophotic reefs and rocky pavement in the northwestern GOM at FGBNMS, east GOM at Pulley Ridge, and in South Carolina (52–72 m) (Díaz et al. 2021). At FGBNMS the species presents rare to low (1–10) distribution at four sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs. The purple color probably originates from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria Synechococcus spongiarium.

MCD.

van Soest 1980.

Thick crusts (1–2 cm in thickness) to plate-shaped. Dark green to brown in color externally and tan internally, with oscula contrasting by a wide white rim. The surface is smooth to slightly undulating. The oscula are slightly raised from the surface and white, 1–2 mm wide and 2–5 cm apart. Usually, this species forms small patches, and the specimen in Fig. 24 is 8 × 6 × 1.5–2 cm. The sponge is hard, barely compressible.

Figure 24. 

Petrosia weinbergi, 69–71 m deep. Samples DFH9-3C, DFH9-6B.

The ear-shaped specimens of Petrosia weinbergi are similar to Petrosia pellasarca. The former is greenish in color and lacks the small toxa. Similar species: include crustose forms of Cliona varians and Cliona aprica may look similar to crustose forms of Petrosia weinbergi.

This species is rare in shallow reefs throughout the Caribbean and at mesophotic reefs in the Greater Antilles, Guyana, Brazil and in the northwestern GOM at FGBNMS. At FGBNMS the species is found in rare to low (1–10) abundance at two localities. Depth ranges from 8–500 m.

Coralline algae reef, algal nodule, lower mesophotic reef.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Pomponi et al. 2019; van Soest 1980, 2017.

Barrel-shaped. with a wide apical vent surrounded by a 2–5-cm wall which thickens towards the sponge base. Smaller specimens may present as a cone-shaped form. Red-brown externally, tan internally. Surface ranges from smooth to irregularly ridged or pitted. Few small openings (2–3 mm in diameter) may be oscula. Inner wall without detachable dermis, rough. The detachable dermis ends on the inside rim of the vent. The atrial cavity extends to ca. half the cup height. Consistency is brittle, easily crumbled.

Figure 25. 

Xestospongia muta (2 specimens on the right) and Xestospongia sp. nov. 1 (2 roundish dark red specimens on the left) at McGrail Bank, 58 m. Photo 202205114-T-161120_0004 (HBOI-FAU 05-2022).

Xestospongia sp. nov. 1, described below, is shorter, with a flat top, thicker rimmed walls, and much smaller atrium than X. muta.

An iconic species from shallow reefs in Florida, throughout the Caribbean, to southeastern Brazil, southern GOM, and northwestern GOM at FGBNMS. Mesophotic reefs in Cuba, south Florida, northwestern GOM at FGBNMS, and east GOM at Pulley Ridge. Reed (2022) reports it at three banks in FGBNMS (51–69 m deep).

Coral reefs, coral communities, coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

John Reed, MCD.

Díaz et al. 2019; van Soest 1980.

Massive thick barrel sponge, with rounded edges and a small apical oscule or pseudo-oscule (3 cm in diameter). The sponge top is flattened. The color is pink to dark reddish, with whitish spots, tan internally. The surface is smooth to spikey and microscopically porous. A very thin transparent membrane can be distinguished on the oscule rim, and branching thin spicule tracts can be distinguished at high magnification.

Figure 26. 

Xestospongia sp. nov. 1, 56 m deep. Sample GFOE3-27.

This species is similar to Xestospongia muta but it is fat, shorter, with a flat top, thicker walls, and a smaller “atrium” than Xestospongia muta.

Mesophotic reefs in Cuba, south Florida, northwestern GOM at FGBNMS region, and east GOM at Pulley Ridge. This was the most abundant species at the mesophotic reefs in Cuba, and it is currently being described by a Cuba-USA team. At FGBNMS, it has been recognized once at Geyer Bank; probably confused with Xestospongia muta previously.

Algal nodules.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Díaz et al. 2019.

Single erect branch to multiple branches or arborescent. Pink to gray in color. The surface is porous, microhispid, and rough to the touch. Many oscula dispersed along the branch with a slight elevation compared to the surface. Many oscula had a barnacle inside. The sponge is firm, slightly compressible.

Figure 27. 

Niphates erecta, 71 m deep. Sample DFH9-6A.

Niphates amorpha with erect branches and Niphates erecta can be confused. The possible conspecificity of these two forms remains to be clarified.

Very common species throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Florida, and Brazil at shallow (< 50 m) and mesophotic depths (50–100 m). At FGBNMS the species is reported with rare to high abundance (1–100+) at seven localities.

Coralline algae reef, algal nodule, lower mesophotic reef.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

van Soest 1980. Pomponi et al. 2019.

Large massive sponge with abundant long yellow brown oscular tubes (3–12 cm long and 1.5–2 cm wide) that project between shorter, amorphous to digitate drab yellow fistules (1–4 cm high and < 10 cm long). Only a soft and smooth oscular tube was collected and had only oxeas as spicules. 18S sequences (738 bp) show that this species is separated phylogenetically from a clade formed by sequences of Siphonodictyon coralliophagum and Siphonodictyon brevitubulatum available on GenBank (Diaz, Segura, and Pomponi, unpublished data).

Figure 28. 

Siphonodictyon sp. nov. 1, 67 m deep. Sample GFOE3-2.

Oceanapia spp. may have similar oscular tubes and fistules (Santos Neto et al. 2018). The genetic data was essential to provide the generic assignation to this species.

The species was seen once at Geyer Bank at FGBNMS.

Found in algal nodule beds. This species is a bio-eroding sponge.

Iris Segura, KR, MCD.

Ruetzler 1971; Ruetzler et al. 2014.

Small abundant fistules (0.5–1 cm wide, 1–3 cm high) and rare long oscular tubes (1.5 cm in diameter), bright yellow in color. Smooth surface of fistules and oscular tubes.

Figure 29. 

Siphonodictyon brevitubulatum, 67 m deep. Inset taken from Fig. 28 upper right.

Siphonodictyon coralliophagum has much larger and thicker bright yellow oscular tubes and fistules.

The species is reported from Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Martinique, and northwestern GOM in the FGBNMS. At the FGBNMS it was observed once at Geyer Bank, while analyzing the photograph of Syphonodictyon sp. nov. 1 (Fig. 28). This is the first report of this species at mesophotic depths.

Algal nodules. This species is a bio-eroding sponge.

MCD.

Pang 1973.

Thinly encrusting sponge, growing over dead coral or other sponges. Deep orange to bright red color in live. The surface is smooth and ornamented by paler colored dermal canals that branch away from the oscula, wide close to the oscula and thinner away from it. The consistency is compressible where the sponge is thicker.

Figure 30. 

Batzella rubra, 90 m deep. Specimen observed on the photo of sample DFH9-13A.

The sponge can be confused with other red encrusting species, but the particular ‘dripping’ morphology of the dermal canals makes them easy to distinguish.

This species is reported from shallow reefs in Cuba and Bahamas. This is the first report for the species at mesophotic reefs. At FGBNMS the specimen on the photograph was found at east Flower Garden Bank and the species has rare to moderate abundance at ten other sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

MCD.

Alcolado 1984; Zea et al. 2014.

Thinly encrusting sponge (1–10 mm thick) growing over dead coral. Orange to red color in life, black to purple in alcohol. The surface is smooth to bumpy with whitish branching dermal canals, and roundish papillae with two or three clumps of ostia. The cf. is due to the rounded papillae only described for Batzella mollis, a species found at the “Juan Fernandez and Desventuradas islands” off the Chilean Pacific coast.

Figure 31. 

Batzella cf. rubra, 70 m deep. Sample DFH9-6F.

Esteves et al. (2018) describe three tropical western Atlantic Batzella spp: Batzella rubra (deep orange-red, smooth), Batzella ficus (dark brown), and Batzella cataniresis (yellow). Monanchora arbuscula in its orange morphotype can be confused with Batzella cf. rubra.

This is the first record from mesophotic reefs. At FGBNMS the species has been recorded with rare to low abundance (1–10) in three localities.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Alcolado 1984; Esteves et al. 2018.

Massive with short, protruding, flattened, digitate branches, forming a roundish bush. Colored red in life. Surface minutely porous and with a translucent veil (dermis). Oscula not visible. This species belongs to the genus Clathria; however, species identifications require spicule analysis.

Figure 32. 

Clathria sp. 1, 63 m deep. Photo code SP03.

Several branching bushy Clathria species are described by Gomez (2014). Few of those species have been photographed alive, and their appearance changes dramatically once they are taken out of the water.

Arborescent Clathria species are diverse and well-known from the Gulf of Mexico (Gomez 2014). At the FGBNMS this species has been documented on mesophotic depths at three sites.

Sandy substrates.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Gomez 2014.

Massive to thick encrusting, or globular to lobate with lobes ≤ 15 cm high. Yellow orange sponge alive, tan pinkish in alcohol. The surface is rugose to verrucose, with deep grooves and holes < 0.5 mm wide; the deep grooves, where thin ectosome is absent, have a feathery appearance. Oscula 0.5–2 cm wide, with a yellow membranous collar that is 5–8 mm high when the oscula are fully open. Compressible in consistency.

Figure 33. 

Halichondria sp. 1, 60–80 m deep. Samples DFH9-11D, DFH9-12D, DFH9-14E, DFH9-3E.

Myrmekioderma rea when it grows as a thick massive crust, and massive lobate Axynissa ambrosia can be easily confused with this species. Its spicules (oxea in a wide size range) and surface features are unique among the Halichondriidae.

The sponge is common at FGBNMS on mesophotic habitats between 55–73 m. This is an undescribed species. The species occurs at four sites with rare to medium abundance (1–100).

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

CA, SWK, MCD.

Díaz et al. 1993; Zea et al. 2014.

Massive, columnar shape with round or blunt tip (10 cm high, 2–4 cm in diameter). The sponge is red-brown externally and tan internally in living sponges. The surface is smooth visually with a sandpaper feel. Five dispersed oscula (1–3 mm in diameter). Very firm in consistency, but crumbly.

Figure 34. 

Topsentia bahamensis, 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-11F.

Topsentia ophirhaphidites, which has deformed small oxea added to the larger oxea. Petrosiids in general by their reddish brown color and hard brittle consistency. Spicule study needed to distinguish it.

Currently reported from shallow reefs in southern GOM in northern Yucatan and Belize, and at mesophotic depths in the Bahamas and northwestern GOM at the FGBNMS.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

CA, SWK, MCD.

Díaz et al. (1993).

The “corn dog sponge”. A pale brown, clavate, stipitate sponge (15 cm in total length) with a long thin peduncle (2 mm in diameter at attachment area) and an upper globose soft body (1 cm in diameter at its thickest part). The surface is very smooth and velvety. The apical oscule is slit-shaped and has a collared membrane visible in the in-situ photograph. The sponge is firm but slightly compressible.

Figure 35. 

Rhizaxinella clava, 106 m deep. Samples DFH6-42-4, DFH8-5A.

The “corn dog sponge” is similar externally to the “lollipop sponge”, Stylocordyla chupachups and to other members of the family Stylocordylidae, which are mostly present in cold deep waters.

Currently reported at mesophotic depths in the Florida Keys, Guyana, Surinam, and northwestern GOM at the FGBNMS. At FGBNMS the species is widespread, occurring at 15 sites with abundance from rare to very common (1–100+).

Coralline algae reefs, silted lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Pomponi et al. 2019; van Soest 2017.

Small cups or plates, with undulating rims, walls 1–3 cm thick, usually with a thick peduncle. Brown with faintly pink tinges. The surface is smooth, with rims sometimes covered by sediment. Oscula not visible.

Figure 36. 

In-situ photo of Corallistes typus, 60–108 m deep. Samples GFOE3-23G, DFH8-10B.

An integrative study of 247 “lithistid” samples from the tropical western Atlantic (Schuster et al. 2021) encounters possibly six different undescribed species of Corallistes, similar to C. typus. Species of the genus Neophrissospongia have a similar appearance to this species.

Southern, eastern, and northern Caribbean, Florida, and Bahamas 61–914 m deep (Pomponi et al. 2001). Abundances increase from 150 m to 900 m deep. At FGBNMS the species is widespread at 17 sites with low to medium abundance (2–100).

Coralline algae reefs, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK.

van Soest and Stentoft 1988; Schuster et al. 2021.

Plate or ear-shaped sponges with 1–2 cm thick walls with rounded margins, and 8–12 cm across. Tan-brown, plate. The cf. denomination was given since minute oscula on inner surface (0.5–1 mm wide) and a pedicel described for Neophrissospongia nolitangere were not seen in the image or during voucher analysis.

Figure 37. 

Neophrissospongia cf. nolitangere, 145 m deep. Sample GFOE3-1.

Corallistes typus and other species from the same genus. Neophrissospongia differs from Corallistes by the spiny or tuberculate nature of the dichotriaene top in the former, and the smooth nature on the later.

Neophrissospongia nolitangere is common at deep waters from the eastern Atlantic, Azores and Mediterranean. Schuster et al. (2021) report at least 4 undescribed species of this genus in the tropical western Atlantic. This is the first report of the genus for the northwestern GOM, at FGBNMS seen once at one site.

Algal nodules.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Pissera and Levi 2002; Schuster et al. 2021

Round to massive sponge. Brownish gray to dirty white in color. The surface is prickly, hispid, feels like sandpaper; numerous holes ≤ 3–5 mm in diameter in sponge body. Few larger oscula 1–4 cm wide. Hard and dense in consistency. Species identity requires further analysis and comparative work (Sandes et al. 2020).

Figure 38. 

Stellettinopsis cf. megastylifera, 76 m deep. Samples DFH9-13C.

The species is reported from shallow depths growing on coral reefs, rocks, sand, or mangroves (3–25 m deep) in the Colombian Caribbean, Curacao, Panama, Belize, southern GOM, and Dominican Republic. Rare species. This is the first report of this species for the north GOM mesophotic. At FGBNMS, moderate abundance at three sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

SWK, CA, KR.

Sandes et al. 2020; Wintermann-Kilian and Kilian 1984.

Stalks with heart-shaped tops (3–7 cm in height, 1–3 cm wide). Dark brown in color externally, tan internally. Very smooth surface. One or two oscula per stalk located at the tips (1–5 mm wide). The oscula continued by an atrium 1–2 cm deep. Dense in consistency.

Figure 39. 

Erylus alleni, 60 m deep. Samples DFH9-12E, DFH9-12F.

The stalked growth form and certain spicule details (elliptical aspidasters, two categories of oxyasters) allow its differentiation with co-occurring similar species such as Erylus goffrilleri and Erylus trisphaerus.

Mesophotic depths in Puerto Rico and Brazil. Rare species. This is the first report of this species for the GOM, at FGBNMS found with rare to low abundance (1–10) at 7 sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules.

KR, CS, SWK, MCD.

Mothes et al. 1999.

Massive amorphous to lobate. Dark brown color that lightens towards the base of the lobes. Smooth surface, slight wrinkles when out of water. One apical oscule, on top of each lobe (4–8 mm wide), with a paler colored membrane. Compressible but dense in consistency, easily breakable.

Figure 40. 

Erylus goffrilleri 69 m deep. Sample GFOE3-32.

Several species of Erylus from the tropical western Atlantic are very similar in external appearance. The calthrop-like triaenes and the tylasters allows its distinction from co-occurring species.

Reported in shallow and mesophotic reefs in the Bahamas and Jamaica. First report of this species for the GOM at FGBNMS region, found at low abundance (1–10), at Geyer Bank.

Algal nodules.

KR, CS, SWK, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Massive amorphous to lobate, dark to paler brown. The surface is smooth with very small pores. Oscula on top of lobes, ≤ 1 cm wide, with a very thin brown membrane. Compressible and dense in consistency.

Figure 41. 

Erylus trisphaerus, 61 m deep. Sample DFH9-12G.

The peanut-shaped aspidasters, with two to three swollen areas, allows its distinction from co-occurring species of the genus.

This is a rare species originally described from Apalachee Bay in north Florida at 13 m deep. Since then, it has been reported from shallow reefs in Alacranes Reef (Southern GOM), Cuba, and Curacao. This is the first report from mesophotic reefs and first report from northwestern GOM at FGBNMS where it occurs with rare to low abundance (1–10) at six sites.

Coralline algal reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Ugalde et al. 2015.

Spherical, approx. 7 cm in diameter, with a roundish black apical plate (2 cm wide). The sponge color is pale brown with reddish tinges. The surface is mostly smooth, with patches with sediments or turf around the apical plate, and occasionally on body side. Many oscula (2 mm wide) concentrated on the apical plate. Hard as a rock. The cf. is assigned due to the black color of the sieve plate, larger oscula, and the because size of the large category of oxea of Geodia curacaoensis is twice the size of oxea from the FGBNMS specimen.

Figure 42. 

Geodia cf. curacaoensis 81 m deep. Sample GFOE3-21.

This specimen is very similar to Geodia curacaoensis, in overall external morphology, and spicule composition.

Geodia curacaoensis was described from mesophotic depths in Curacao and was recorded in shallow reefs at Alacranes Reef, south GOM, and at mesophotic depths in Cuba. This morphotype was found at FGBNMS in low (2–10) abundance at six sites.

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Ugalde et al. 2015.

Massive columnar cluster, flattened tops of columns with one apical oscule on each. Smooth to rugose surface. Tan color with pale brown tops. Columns 2–3 cm wide and 10–15 cm tall.

Figure 43. 

In-situ photograph of Discodermia sp. 1, 107 m deep. Photo code SP05.

The image of a Discodermia dissoluta specimen (van Soest et al. 2014) shows a columnar growth form for the species. Spicule preparations would be necessary to determine the species identity of this sponge.

The genus Discodermia is common in deep waters at the tropical western Atlantic. Discodermia dissoluta is the most widespread distributed species of the genus in the region from the GOM to Brazil. At FGBNMS, rare to low (1–10) abundance at two sites.

Lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

van Soest et al. 2014.

Encrusting to massive sponge (1–9 cm in thickness). Ochre brown externally in life. The sponge has a vermetid gastropod growing within its body. Surface microhispid, rough to the touch, oscula numerous and scattered, rounded to oval, 1–4.5 mm wide. Some of the openings at the surface correspond to the vermetids.

Figure 44. 

In-situ photograph of Yucatania sphaeroidocladus sp. 70–72 m deep. Samples DFH9-5C, DFH9-6D.

Any massive-amorphous to subglobular species that accumulate debris can be confused with this species. Spicule composition is essential for its identification.

Mesophotic depths from eastern Brazil, Guiana, Trinidad, and continental platform of the Yucatan Peninsula. Widely distributed at the mesophotic depths in FGBNMS (12 sites), with rare or medium abundance (1–100).

Coralline algae reefs, algal nodules, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Gómez 2006; Hartman and Hubbard 1999.

Globular sponge (12 cm wide). Neon yellow in and out, covered by sediment obscuring the sponge color. The surface appears smooth, rough to the touch; microhispid microscopically. Few apical oscula (6–8 mm wide). Dense in consistency. This specimen was initially identified as Tetilla sp. However, an 18S barcoding study shows this species is 99.9% Cinachyrella sp. (Iris Segura, pers. comm., 2022). The specimen studied lacks protrienes and anatrianes found in all Cinachyrella species from the region. This specimen has long oxea: 2500–3000 × 10–50 µm, small oxea: 130–170 × 5 µm, and sigma (c-, and s-shaped), 20–30 µm long × < 1 µm wide. The determination of this species requires further comparative work and the analyses of other genetic markers.

Figure 45. 

In-situ photograph of Cinachyrella sp. 1, 81 m deep. Sample GFOE3-20.

Globular yellowish species of the genera Cinachyrella, Cinachyra, or Tetilla.

At FGBNMS this species is rare, appearing once at one site.

Coralline algal reefs.

Iris Segura, MCD.

van Soest and Rützler 2002.

Thick encrusting (1–3 cm in thickness) to lobate, brown, black to tan in color externally with darker spotted areas, tan internally. Smooth surface, and round oscula, with elevated membranes. This species has very cartilaginous consistency.

Figure 46. 

Chondrosia collectrix, 60 m deep. Sample DFH9-9D.

Chondrilla caribensis is very similar in growth form and color but it lacks oscula with a collared membrane and possesses typical and abundant spheraster spicules.

The species is distributed at coral reefs, seagrasses, and/or mangroves in Florida, Bermuda, throughout the Caribbean, Brazil, and southern Gulf of Mexico. At FGBNMS is widely distributed with low to high abundance (10–100+) occurring at 12 sites.

Inhabits lower mesophotic reef and heavily silted reef, coralline algae reef, algal nodules.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Massive/lobate to amorphous. Variable color from yellow to pink and purple. The surface has roundish conules. The oscula are on top of lobe(s), have small flat oscular membranes the same color than the sponge. Compressible and dense in consistency.

Figure 47. 

Aiolochroia crassa, 52 m deep. DFH5 Dive 11269 14 17 20.JPG.

Some specimens of Verongula rigida, with few ridges at the surface, can be confused with this species.

This species is very common at shallow coral reefs in Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, throughout the Caribbean, Brazil, and Gulf of Mexico. At mesophotic depths in FGBNMS it is widely distributed, occurring at ten sites.

Coral communities.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

A single white tube (7 cm high, 3–4 cm wide); the sponge turns to medium brown color in alcohol. The surface is verrucose to finely conulose, and firm in consistency. One apical oscule (6 mm wide) with a thin membrane.

Figure 48. 

Aplysina sp. 1 at 88 m deep. Sample DFH9-2B.

The overall growth form of this species is similar to that of Aplysina archeri. However, Aplysina archeri tubes are usually much larger, and invariably a pink to violet color at all its depth range of distribution. A similar whitish Aplysina with larger dimensions was observed in Cuba at 58 and 81 m deep.

This is a unique and rare species of Aplysina, found in mesophotic reefs at FGBNMS and Pulley Ridge. At FGBNMS it was found once at the east Flower Gardens bank.

Found at coralline algal reef, algal nodule, lower mesophotic reef.

KR, CA, SWK, MCD.

van Soest 1978; Pinheiro et al. 2007.

Clusters of short tubes that spread laterally. SP04 was 10–20 cm high, and 3–5 cm in diameter, and SP25 was 3–10 cm high 3–6 cm wide, pink to deep purple in color. Fistulose rods sporadically grow out from the tubes. Surface rugose and microconulose. Roundish tube tops, more pronounced on SP25. The specimens are tentatively identified from the photographs as Aplysina cf. archeri due to the predominance of short roundish tubes, and lateral growth; no samples were available for analysis.

Figure 49. 

Aplysina cf. archeri, at 43–76 m deep. Photo code A SP04 and B SP25.

At least three species of Aplysina can be a cluster of short tubes, viz. A. fistularis, A. insularis, and A. muricyana but their color is mostly yellow. Collection and genetic data would be very helpful to discern these species.

Aplysina archeri is common at shallow coral reefs in Florida (Dry Tortugas) and throughout the Caribbean. This species might be a morphological variant of the species or a closely related species which occurs as a single or clumps of elongated purplish tubes.

Coral communities, sandy substrates.

MCD.

van Soest 1978; Pinnheiro et al. 2007.

Massive lobate to tubular species. This sample had multiple tubes of different lengths (4–20 cm high, 2–4 cm wide). Reddish yellow in color when alive, purple as dry or in alcohol. The surface is rugose to verrucose, ribbed, but smooth to the touch, not like sandpaper. One oscule (0.8–1 cm) on top of each tube, the opening extending the length of sponge. Oscula with a flat diaphragm-like contractile membrane darker in color. The consistency is firm but compressible, fibrous, and tough.

Figure 50. 

Verongula rigida at 60 m deep. Samples DFH8-38B, DFH9-9B.

Specimens of this species with slightly ribbed surface can be confused with Aiolochroia crassa. Some morphotypes of Smenospongia aurea can also look like short tubes of Verongula rigida.

This species is common at shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. At FGBNMS, rare, found only at three sites.

Heavily silted lower mesophotic reefs.

KR.

Wiedenmayer 1977.

Large tube or vase, wider at the base or at the mid body. The color is yellow with green or pinkish tinges alive, purple when dry or in alcohol. The outer surface is ribbed, forming a regular pattern that covers the whole sponge surface. One large opening (oscule or pseudo-oscule) at top of each “vase” (> 5 cm), with a very thin membrane (1–2 mm) that surrounds the whole rim. The consistency is firm but compressible.

Figure 51. 

Verongula reiswigi at 76 m deep. Photo code SP58.

The overall shape, “oscule” size, and surface of this species makes it unique.

This species is rare in occurrence at shallow and mesophotic coral reefs in Florida, Bahamas, Cuba, and eastern Caribbean. Rare at FGBNMS, seen only once at one site,

Heavily silted lower mesophotic reef.

MCD.

Alcolado 1984; Perez et al. 2017.

Thin encrusting sponge, < 1 mm thick, bright yellow in life, purple in alcohol (Fig. 52A, red arrow). This thin sponge lacked any type of skeleton and seems to be overgrowing the skeleton of a dictyonal hexactinellid skeletal framework (Fig. 52B). No microscleres could be seen when dissecting and analyzing the skeleton of the hexactinellid, thus it could be dead. The conspecificity of the hexactinellid with Iphiteon panicea sample GFOE3-23, to the right of this yellow sample (GFOE3-23A) could not be identified. The thin sponge appears undetachable from the skeletal framework where it grows. Dark cells similar to verongiid spherulous cells (SC), and granular cells (GC), and wide elliptical choanocyte chambers (CC), 30–80 µm in diameter, support the interpretation of this species as a fiber-less species of the family Ianthellidae (Fig. 52B, C). This is the first report of a verongiid overgrowing an hexactinellid.

Figure 52. 

A In-situ photograph of a thin yellow Verongid growing on an hexactinellid skeletal framework highlighted by the red arrow, 147 m deep. Sample GFOE3-23A B fragment of sponge observed under light microscope 100X; arrows show large dark cells potential spherulous cells (SC), and smaller dark cells, potentially granular cells (GC) C smear of a sample fragment observed with a light microscope at 400× magnification. Note the large ovoid choanocyte chambers (red arrow).

Two Ianthellidae genera without fibers have been described, Hexadella and Vansoestia, which have species with thin bodies, and yellowish color. However, those species have a more detachable leathery body, with surfaces ornamented by dermal canals, and prominent oscula.

At FGBNMS the species was collected once at Elvers Bank.

Coralline algae reefs, lower mesophotic reefs, algal nodules.

MCD.

Díaz et al. 2015.

Thin encrusting sponge, 1–2 mm when preserved in alcohol. Pale yellow/orange in color alive. In alcohol it turns dark purple. In life the surface bears low conules, and oscula a few mm wide.

The overall growth form, color, and color change in alcohol is similar to those in Aplysilla sulfurea.

Aplysilla sulfurea is the type species for the genus and was described from the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas and eastern Atlantic. The reports from Bermuda, Florida, and southern Africa probably represent different species of similar habit and color. At FGBNMS the species is widely distributed at 14 sites with a range of abundance from rare to medium (2–100).

Figure 53. 

Aplysilla aff. sulfurea, 78 m deep. Samples DFH9-14B.

Coralline algae reefs, lower mesophotic reefs, algal nodules.

CA, MCD.

de Laubenfels 1950, 1953.

Encrusting to massive (2–4.5 cm in thickness). Pale yellow to orange color in life. The surface is porous and with low conules. Many oscula with transparent membranes. The sponge is compressible.

Figure 54. 

Dysidea sp. 1, 76 m deep. Sample DFH9-14F.

This species is similar to the Mediterranean species Dysidea fragilis. There is an inaccurate citation of Dysidea fragilis by de Laubenfels (1953) from the GOM, and this is probably an undescribed species.

At FGBNMS the species is widely distributed at ten sites with a range of abundance from rare (1 per site) to common (11–100).

Coralline algae reef, lower mesophotic reef, and algal nodules.

KR, MCD.

de Laubenfels 1953.

Very thin crust, pale pink color. The surface is smooth with irregularly distributed small conules (< 1 mm high). Oscula with a collar membrane and thick canals that run towards the oscula. The conules are produced by single or branching fibers that depart from a spongin basal plate.

Figure 55. 

In-situ photo of Pleraplysilla sp. 1, 79 m deep. Sample DFH9-14C.

Very similar in external appearance to Vansoestia caribensis, a skeleton-less sponge of the family Ianthellidae, Order Verongiida. This species has abundant single or dendritic fibers, dark in color with an apparent pith, and some foreign spicules inside. This sponge is very similar to the species of Pleraplysilla depicted by Zea et al. (2014). It is currently an undescribed species.

Reported by Zea et al. (2014) from the Bahamas and possibly Boynton Beach, FL. At FGBNMS the species is found at seven sites with an abundance ranging from rare to low (1–10) at six sites, to common (11–100) at one site.

Coralline algae reefs, lower mesophotic reefs.

KR, SK, CA, MCD.

Zea et al. 2014.

Massive bushy, 5 cm wide, 7 cm high. Tan in color alive. Sharp conules, 2–3 mm high, separated by 3–5 mm. The sponge is compressible but firm. The sponge has dendritic fibers, pale in color, which incorporate broken spicules. This sponge is currently identified as an undescribed species of Pleraplysilla. 28S analysis of this specimen clearly places it within the Order Dictyoceratida, but not within the Family Dysideidae. 18S analysis places it as 99.5% similar to Pleraplysilla spinifera, the type of the genus; however, that is an eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean species. This result supports the generic assignation of this new species from GOM (Diaz, Segura, and Pomponi, unpublished data).

Figure 56. 

Pleraplysilla sp. 2, 47 m deep. Sample GFOE3-19.

Its massive habit is similar to that of the shallow Caribbean mangrove species Pleraplysilla stocki, and to Pleraplysilla spinifera from the Mediterranean.

The species has been collected once from FGBNMS, and once from Pulley Ridge, at the southeast GOM (MCD).

Coralline algal reef.

Iris Segura, MCD.

van Soest 1978.

Flabellate to fan- or cup-shaped, sometimes pedunculated. Brown, gray, pinkish, or white color in life. The surface is regularly conulose and rugose. Abundant round oscula (4–8 mm) on the inner wall surface.

Figure 57. 

Ircinia campana, 56 m deep. Photo code SP10.

This might be a different species from the shallow reef species, but close genetic and morphological comparison must be carried out to distinguish Ircinia species (Kelly and Thacker 2021).

Widespread throughout the Caribbean at shallow coral reefs and seagrass meadows. This is the first report of the species for the northwestern GOM and at mesophotic depths in the GOM. At FGBNMS, low (1–10) in abundance and only documented at Stetson Bank. Díaz et al. 2021 report this species' morphotype at mesophotic depths (50–79 m) in various MPA's from North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

Lower mesophotic reefs, coralline algae reefs.

MCD.

Díaz et al. 2019.

Flabellate to fan. Brown, gray, to pinkish in color. The surface is regularly conulose. Abundant round oscula (2–3 mm) on the upper surface, sometimes clumped. The cf. is to highlight the uncommon plate-shape habitus for the species, indicating that this morphotype could represent either a different species or a variant of Ircinia campana. Further genetic and morphologic comparisons are required.

Figure 58. 

Ircinia cf. campana, 55 m deep. Sample DFH9-8A.

Widespread throughout the Caribbean on shallow coral reefs and seagrass meadows. This is the first report of the species for the northwestern GOM and at mesophotic depths. Single specimen found at one locality.

Coralline algal reefs.

MCD.

van Soest 1978; Díaz et al. 2019.

The sponge is sub-globular to massive and cake-shaped, gray to black color in life. Large specimens show an upper depression where oscula abound. The surface has characteristic large conules (2–15 mm high, 5–15 mm apart). Oscula 4–10 mm in diameter, either single or in groups, with a thin membrane. The specimens are tough in consistency.

Figure 59. 

Ircinia strobilina, 50 m deep. Photocode SP09.

Widespread throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, GOM, and Brazil. The species has been previously reported in the northern and southern GOM (de Laubenfels 1936; Green et al. 1986; Gómez 2007). This species is a common inhabitant of coral reefs in the southern GOM (Ugalde et al. 2021). At FGBNMS the species is abundant at Stetson and Sonnier banks.

Coral communities, coralline algae reefs, lower mesophotic reefs.

MCD.

van Soest 1978.

Single, two, or three tubes connected at the base. Tubes taper towards the tip. Pink to white in life. The tubes in Fig. 60 are 13 cm high. The surface has minute conules homogeneously spaced. One large oscule per tube (~ 2 cm in diameter) with a thin paler membrane.

Figure 60. 

Ircinia sp. 1, 54–60 m deep. Samples DFH9-8B, DFH9-7F.

This is a very unique Ircinia species, probably undescribed.

This is an undescribed species of Ircinia. At FGBNMS the species was seen once at two localities. MCD has seen this species once in the Bahamas.

Silted coralline algae reefs, silted lower mesophotic reefs.

CA, KR, SK, MCD.

van Soest 1978.

Cushion shape to massive (5 cm thick). The surface is finely conulose (< 1 mm high, and 1–2 mm apart). Color alive is pink to reddish brown externally, tan internally. Small oscula 2–4 mm in diameter) with a thin white membrane around their rim, sparsely distributed on the sponge. The sponge is compressible but tough to cut.

Figure 61. 

Ircinia sp. 2, 55 m deep. Sample DFH9-9A.

The species appears similar to Neopetrosia proxima and its closest species. Neopetrosia proxima lacks the conules, has a harder consistency, and a spicular skeleton, while Ircinia possess a skeleton of spongin fibers and filaments that may incorporate foreign particles (sand, and broken spicules).

At FGBNMS the species was found once at one site.

Coralline algal reefs.

CA, KR, SK, MCD.

van Soest 1978.

Globular to cushion shape, dirty yellow to grayish in life, brownish purple in alcohol. The surface has shallow roundish warts (≤1 cm wide) but feels smooth to the touch. Oscula from 2 mm to > 1 cm wide, with a slightly elevated membrane.

Figure 62. 

Smenospongia cf. echina, 60-69 m deep. Samples DFH9-10E, DFH9-6C.

Similar to verongiid species, Smenospongia spp. tends to turn purplish after collection.

Smenospongia echina occurs in low abundance at shallow and mesophotic reefs in Puerto Rico (60–72 m), Belize, Florida (Dry Tortugas), Cayman Islands, and Cuba. At FGBNMS the species occurs in rare to low abundance (1–10) at four sites.

Lower mesophotic reefs, coralline algae reefs.

CA, KR, SK, MCD.

van Soest 1978; Rützler et al. 2014.

Thick encrusting (5–10 mm thick). Pinkish brown in life. The surface is very smooth, velvety to the touch. Dense consistency. Sponge was overgrowing the base of an albino Aplysina spp. (DFH9-2B). Spicules larger than those of Plakortis zyggompha (de Laubenfels, 1934).

Figure 63. 

Plakortis cf. zyggompha, 88 m deep. Sample DFH9-2B.

Plakortis angulospiculatus and Plakortis halichondroides, with the same dark brown color and thick crustose shape; Plakortis zyggompha is always much thinner (< 5 mm) and oscula are much smaller. A genetic comparison would clarify the taxonomic status of the FGBNMS material.

The species is originally described from mesophotic depths (84–165 m), and it is also reported from Florida (Dry Tortugas), Belize (cryptic habitats), and Jamaica (mangroves). At FGBNMS the species was rare and found at only three sites.

Algal reef, algal nodule, lower mesophotic reef.

SK, KR, CA.

de Laubenfels 1934; Rützler et al. 2014.

Basal funnel expanded distally forming a plate, or a cup, with a wavy rim. Inner cup surface has elongated pits or grooves, several cm long, < 1 cm wide. This sample has not yet been examined but the overall growth form points to this species.

Figure 64. 

In-situ photo of Dactylocalyx pumiceus, 147 m deep. Sample GFOE3-24.

This is a species with great latitudinal distribution from Florida and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, distributed along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean between 300N and S, at depth of 91–1996 m. The species is also reported off the coast of Portugal. At FGBNMS the species was collected at Elvers Bank where it was found in low (1–10) abundance.

Lower mesophotic reef.

MCD.

Reiswig 2002.

Massive, flabellate, white, glass sponge, attached to a rock. The white elongated zoanthid, Vitrumanthus schrieri Kise et al., 2022, was partially overgrowing its surface. The skeleton study of the white hexactinellid (GFOE- 23) revealed a dictyonal, siliceous, rectangular to triangular framework, and spicules that agree with Iphiteon panicea as described by Reiswig (2002: 1299). What appears to be a portion of this specimen with a bright yellow color in life turned dark purple in alcohol, and it was stored as a different sample (GFOE3- 23A). Under a light microscope, the bright yellow hexactenillid appears to be a Dactylocalycidae skeletal framework, covered by thin tissue with no fibers or spicules (Fig. 51B, C). The color pattern in life and in alcohol and the type of cells and chambers suggest that this yellow tissue might represent a skeleton-less verongiid of the family Ianthellidae. The hexactinellid portion of yellow color area lacked any microscleres; this would suggest that the hexactinellid might have been dead, which would make the yellow species a potential epibiont for this hexactinellid. More study is required to clarify the identity of this apparent yellow hexatinellid. The trabecular surface is evident on the deck photograph (Fig. 65B) with round to elongate pits or grooves (2–10 mm in diameter), possibly exhalant apertures (Reiswig 2002).

Figure 65. 

A In-situ photo of 147 m deep. Samples GFOE3-23 (white) and GFOE- 23A (yellow) B lab photo of the specimen.

When zoanthids are extended the species can look like the hexactinellid Verrucocoeloidea liberatorii Reiswig & Dohrmann, 2014.

This species has a northwestern Caribbean distribution (88–1957 m deep). At FGBNMS the species was collected once at Elvers Bank.

Lower mesophotic reefs, sandy bottoms. The zoanthid Vitrumanthus schrieri (Parazoanthidae) was originally described in association with the glass sponge Verrucocoeloidea liberatorii. In this sample, the identity of the zoanthid was obtained by barcoding data (28S gene) (Iris Segura, pers. comm., 2022).

MCD.

Kise et al. 2022; Reiswig and Dorhrmann 2014; Reiswig 2002.