|PORIFERA : HALICHONDRIDA : Halichondriidae||SPONGES|
Description: This sponge can be very polymorphic, varying from a
cushion to almost a branching-repent form. A cushion can give
rise to oscular chimneys with oscules at the top or, more
typically, to a profusion of simple, solid, tassel-like branches
with the oscules mainly along their length (cf. Halichondria
panicea). In some sheltered localities the branches grow over
other organisms and loop like bramble stolons, attaching to any
suitable object they encounter. The colour is usually buff or
cream, never green. Habitat: On rock or other animals, even
ascidian tests. It reaches its maximal development in harbours
and estuaries, being very tolerant of muddy and brackish
conditions where it tends to replace Halichondria panicea (but
there are reports of both species occuring together in silty
conditions). Distribution: A common species in the British
Isles. Similar Species: The variable nature of Halichondria
bowerbanki can make it very difficult to identif