Suberites dandelenae Samaai & Maduray 2017

Suberites dandelenae, the amorphous solid sponge, is a species of deep-sea demosponge from South Africa and Namibia.

Description

This sponge is made up of rounded lobes. Each lobe has a distinct oscule on the top surface.^[1] Individual specimens can grow up to 40 cm (16 in) in length.^[2] It is yellow in colour and has a velvety surface.^[1][2] It breaks easily.^[2]

Spicules

Several morphologically similar species occur, but they differ at the spicule level.^[1] The following spicules are present in this species:^[2]

• Three distinct size classes of tylostyles (spicule with a point at one end and a knob at the other).
• Centrotylostongyles/oxeas (needle-shaped spicules with a sharp point at either end).
• Tylostrongyles (spicules that have a swollen end).
• Microacanthostrongyle (small spine covered spicules that have a rounded end).

Distribution and habitat

This species is found off the west coast of southern Africa. It is known from the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, where it is found at depths of 80–500 m (260–1,640 ft).^[1] It is found on unconsolidated sediments such as sand.^[2]

Ecology

This species grows in dense colonies.^[1] As much as 18 tons per square kilometer (6.95 tons per square mile) can be collected in a single demersal trawl off some areas of the South African coast.^[2] It is considered to be a potential indicator of a vulnerable marine ecosystem.^[1]

References