Prosuberites sp. Hartman, 1975
This demosponge species forms thin encrusting sheets, measuring up to 2 mm in thickness. The skeleton is composed of densely packed, siliceous spicules, positioned upright. Spicule type includes megascleres (tylostyles) only, measuring on average up to 925 mm in length (but with multiple size classes that range 175-925 mm). Color variants include gold, hazel, yellowish-brown, and olive-brown. For complete description, see Lee et al., 2007.
In the Northeast Pacific, Prosuberites sp. is most similar to other encrusting sponges, particularly Suberites sp. Hartman, 1975.
Prosuberites sp. has been introduced to the Northeast Pacific, with confirmed records in central California. This species is likely native to the Northeast Atlantic.
Marine; bays; low intertidal