Demosponges

Barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta)--these sponges may live for 100 years and grow to over 18 meters tallFrom NOAA-Ocean Explorer website:"The barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta) may live for 100 years and grow to over 6 ft (18.m) tall. While populations have declined at sites throughout the Caribbean, they appear to be quite healthy on Little Cayman Island."

Aggregated nipple sponge (Polymastia pacifica)A relatively small Aggregated nipple sponge (Polymastia pacifica) . The projections are known as papillae.From: SIMoNLocation (General):Pacific GroveSite (Specific):Lover's PointDate taken:January, 17 2012

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

In situ photo of holotype (courtesy N.J. de Voogd)

Close up of holotype UPSZTY 167252, preserved in ethanol

On deck photo of ZMA Por. 09833 made by A.D. Vethaak, SE of Heron Island, 8-3-1980, depth 0-8 m

Original photos of holotype and spicules (from De Voogd & Van Soest, 2007).

ZMA specimens from Oman.