Chalinula loosanoffi (Hartman, 1958)
This demosponge species is lobate to tubular in shape, with tubes measuring up to 6.5 cm in height. Tubes may branch or reticulate to form a network. The skeleton is composed of loosely packed, siliceous spicules. Spicule type includes megascleres (oxeas) only, measuring on average more than 120 mm in length. Spicules form a loose network, with overall skeletal structure highly variable. Color variants include light tan, orange-brown, or red. For complete description, see Lee et al., 2007.
In the Northeast Pacific, Chalinula loosanoffi is most similar to other haplosclerid sponges, particularly Haliclona spp.
Chalinula loosanoffi has been introduced to the Northeast Pacific, with confirmed records in Oregon and central and southern California. This species is native to the Northeast Atlantic, distributed from New York to Florida.
Marine; bays and harbors, on floats and intertidal