Haliclona cinerea

(Grant, 1826)

Vernacular names
English : Purple encrusting sponge
French : Chaline cendrée

Classification
Class : Demospongiae
Order : Haplosclerida
Family : Chalinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The biggest colonies can grow up to 25 cm in diameter. Extremely variable in shape, generally with lobed encrusting base with big pores and rounded cones. Coloration very variable, from bright purple to beige or yellow.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, from British Isles to Mediterranean sea, from British Colombia to Florida and in western Pacific from Alaska to California. Lives in intertidal areas, on rocky bottoms exposed to wave action, from 10 to 30 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is widespread and will often be found near harbors. It can live in modified habitat as long is food remains available.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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