Mycale laevis (Carter, 1882)
Orange icing sponge
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Family:  Mycalidae ()
Max. size:  10 cm BRW (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 5 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Caribbean wide.
Diagnosis:  Thin or thick encrustations. Surface is smooth and porous, covered by a transparent membrane. When substrate is overturned, distinct canals converging on oscules are visible. Round oscules, found along the outer edge of the surface; elevated by a tall transparent collar membrane with fine parallel lines. Orange-yellow externally, lighter internally (Ref. 415); specimens may be white in dark habitats. Canals and oscular membrane whitish to transparent. Fragile. Easily torn, spicule tracts may be slightly tough. Exudate absent (Ref. 85482).
Biology:  It is an epibiotic species found on hard substrates (Ref. 108813). In reefs, encrusting the undersides of corals. Occasionally in mangroves where it can grow to record size (Ref. 415). Lines the edges of plate-like or overhanging stony coral colonies (Ref. 85482).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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