Smenospongia aurea

Description:

Photo take at -45 ft on a coral reef, Massive, often forming groups of adjacent oscular mounds or volcanos. It becomes dark and exudes abundant mucus when handled. There are three color morphs of this species: drab to brown skin-yellow oscules-yellow flesh; light greenish skin-yellow green oscules-yellow green flesh; yellow skin and interior. Two different species are readily distinguished in the Caribbean, often co-existing

Habitat:

Inhabitant of the coral reef found from Florida all The Caribbean Sea to north Brazil.