Family: |
Irciniidae () |
Max. size: |
0.2 cm H (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
sessile; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 100 m |
Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. |
Diagnosis: |
Variable growth forms: massive-amorphous, globular, thickly encrusting, flabellate or irregularly branching. Reddish-brown to grey externally; tan internally. Conulose surface: 0.1 - 0.2 cm cm high; 0.2 - 0.3 cm apart. Membrane-bearing oscules: 0.1 - 0.8 cm wide; with white or dark rims, scattered. Compressible; rubbery, extremely tough to be cut. Spicules absent (Ref. 415, 85482). |
Biology: |
Common on mangroves (Ref. 415). Massive forms usually found on reefs; while branching and more lobate forms inhabit quieter shallow inshore hard bottoms, sediment and seagrass beds (Ref. 85482). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
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Threat to humans: |
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Country info: |
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