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Ircinia felix
Photo take at -40 ft on a coral reef. Globular or angularly cake-shaped sponges, 12-14 cm in maximal diameter, but also flatly encrusting, lamellar or ramose specimens are found. The surface is finely conulose (I. felix-close up) when compared to Ircinia campana and Ircinia strobilina. The conules are about 1-2 mm high and about 2-3 mm apart. The oscules are typically provided with a dark, blackish purple rim. They are irregularly scattered over the surface and have a diameter of 1-8 mm. The consistency of the sponge is tough, compressible and difficult to cut or tear.
Inhabit shallow to mid-range reefs, often grow near living corals. It is also found in lagoons. Found from Florida all the Caribbean sea to north Brazil.
Spotted on Dec 16, 2012
Submitted on Dec 16, 2012
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