Verongula rigida (Esper, 1794)
Pitted sponge
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Family:  Aplysinidae ()
Max. size:  3 cm WD (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Massive-lobate, with membrane-bearing oscula. Yellow, to reddish-brown externally, and bright yellow internally. Surface with ridges: up to 0.5 cm high; that run straight or sinuously, forming angular to honeycomb patterns (Ref. 415).
Biology:  Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 128739. Common on open reef habitats more than 3 m deep (Ref. 415), and in mangroves (Ref. 86836). Inhabits heavily silted lower mesophotic reefs (Ref. 128739).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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