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Chalinula loosanoffi

Chalinula loosanoffi (Hartman, 1958)

Common Names

Loosanoff's haliclona (English)

Languages: English

Overview

Description

This demosponge species is lobate to tubular in shape, with tubes measuring up to 6.5 cm in height. Tubes may branch or reticulate to form a network. The skeleton is composed of loosely packed, siliceous spicules. Spicule type includes megascleres (oxeas) only, measuring on average more than 120 mm in length. Spicules form a loose network, with overall skeletal structure highly variable. Color variants include light tan, orange-brown, or red. For complete description, see Lee et al., 2007.

Author(s): Frey, Melissa
Rights holder(s): Frey, Melissa

Description

Look Alikes

In the Northeast Pacific, Chalinula loosanoffi is most similar to other haplosclerid sponges, particularly Haliclona spp.

Author(s): Frey, Melissa
Rights holder(s): Frey, Melissa

Ecology and Distribution

Distribution

Chalinula loosanoffi has been introduced to the Northeast Pacific, with confirmed records in Oregon and central and southern California. This species is native to the Northeast Atlantic, distributed from New York to Florida.

Author(s): Frey, Melissa
Rights holder(s): Frey, Melissa

Habitat

Marine; bays and harbors, on floats and intertidal

Author(s): Frey, Melissa
Rights holder(s): Frey, Melissa

Taxonomy

  • Haliclona loosanoffi (synonym)

References

Carlton, J. T. (2007).  The Light and Smith Manual: Intertidal Invertebrates from Central California to Oregon. 1001. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.
Lee, W. L., Elvin D. W., & Reiswig H. M. (2007).  The Sponges of California: A Guide and Key to the Marine Sponges of California. 130+key. Monterey: Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation.
Ruiz, G. M., Fofonoff P. W., Steves B., Foss S. F., & Shiba S. N. (2011).  Marine invasion history and vector analysis of California: a hotspot for western North America. Diversity and Distributions. 17, 362-373.