Rough Scallop Sponge
Myxilla (Myxilla) incrustans
Also known as: Demosponge, Encrusting Sponge, Mushroom Sponge, Scallop Sponge, Siliceous Sponge, Soft Green Sponge, Myxilla incrustans
- Demosponge
- Encrusting Sponge
- Mushroom Sponge
- Scallop Sponge
- Siliceous Sponge
- Soft Green Sponge
- Myxilla incrustans
Overview
Found on the substrate, as well as growing on free swimming scallop shells, over coral and rocky reefs. Colour varies.
Widespread Arctic, Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacific Ocean
This sponge that can be found on scallops is deterred by predators like sea stars because of its terrible smell!
Sponges come in a range of sizes from minuscule encrusting species under rocks to massive sponges which can be up to one and half metres high.
They are able to filter many litres of sea water every few seconds.
Sponges can exude highly toxic chemicals and so have very few predators apart from nudibranchs, sea stars, sea urchins and umbrella shell.
Their colour can vary if growing in the light or when growing in the shade.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Pacific Ocean, Northwest Atlantic, Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean, Arctic
- Country only · 2
Found on the substrate, as well as growing on free swimming scallop shells, over coral and rocky reefs.
Adult photos 2
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Poecilosclerida


