Convoluted orange sponge
Myrmekioderma gyroderma
(De Laubenfels, 1953)

Description:
Massive-amorphous to lobate. Oscules usually on top of the lobes. The surface is convoluted, with ridges and valleys, forming a maze-like pattern. Grooves up to 1 cm wide. Firm in consistency; exudates mucous.

Color:
Yellow to orange.

Habitat:
Common in deep areas of coral reefs (20-80 m) in protected locations with little water movement, in sand-rubble substrate and in coral crevices. The surface is often covered with sediment and algae (M. gyroderma-close up).

Distribution:
Widespread in the Caribbean.

Remarks:
Another sponge, Didiscus oxeatus , looks identical; positive identification requires microscopic examination of the spicules. Didiscus oxeatus has discorabds in the skeleton.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Porifera
Genus Myrmekioderma
Species Myrmekioderma gyroderma

Status in World Register of Marine Species

Accepted name: Myrmekioderma gyroderma (Alcolado, 1984)

Scientific synonyms and common names

Convoluted orange sponge [English]
Myrmekioderma styx

Diaz, M.C., Pomponi, S.A. & R.W.M. van Soest, 1993. A systematic revision of the central West Atlantic Halichondrida (Demospongiae, Porifera). Part III: Description of valid species. Sci. Mar., 57(4): 283-306.

Humann, P., 1992. Reef Creature Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.

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You can continue searching for Myrmekioderma gyroderma on one of these Web sites:

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