Clathria prolifera (Ellis & Solander, 1786)
General description:
This demosponge species is made up of numerous reticulating branches. The skeleton is composed of siliceous spicules. Spicule types include megascleres (acanthostyles, styles and subtylostyles) and microscleres (palmate isochelae and toxas). Acanthostyles measure less than 90 mm in length. Color variants include red, orange, and brown. For complete description, see Lee et al., 2007.
Look alikes:
In the Northeast Pacific, Clathria prolifera is most similar to other Clathria spp., but distinct in its branching growth form.
Distribution:
Clathria prolifera has been introduced to the Northeast Pacific, with confirmed records in Washington and California. This species is native to the Northwest Atlantic, distributed from Prince Edward Island to Texas.
Habitat:
Marine; intertidal