Axinella proliferans Ridley, 1884

This relatively stiff orange sponge grows exposed or in small caves in a somewhat branching form. We saw divers in Pohnpei breaking off small chunks of this sponge to rub on the inside of their facemasks as a defogger, but it seems the toxic compounds and sharp spicules associated with many sponge species might not be good for the eyes.

The one below looks as though it could be something different. An old name I had on this one was a species of Reniochalina, so that is a possible ID.

Created 20 May 2019

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