Calcareous sponge

Appearance

This is and encrusting sponge, calcareous, quite thick, in the form of erect lobes, convoluted. The lobes are rounded with a large oscula at the top. Its color is deep pink, brown-pink, white interior. Its consistency is soft. The surface is smooth and sometimes forms drips. The skeleton is made up of spicules: giant triactins, small triactins, tripods, small tetractins. Size 5-20cm.

Naming

Synonymised names
Leucaltis floridana var. australiensis Carter, 1886 (junior synonym)
Leucandra carteri Dendy, 1893 (genus transfer & junior synonym)
Leucetta carteri (Dendy, 1892) (junior synonym)
Leucetta microrhaphis (misspelling of species name)
Leucetta primigenia var. microraphis Haeckel, 1872 (status change)

Distribution

Indo-Pacific and Indian ocean.

Habitat

It is found on rocky bottoms, at a depth 15-35 m.

Reproduction

These sponges are hermaphrodites. Reproduction is sexual. Male and female gametes are released into the water column. Fertilization gives birth to ciliated (free swimming) planktonic larvae which will settle and develop on the substrate.

Food

It feeds by filtration of planktonic microorganisms.