This sponge has been found encrusting large patches on some lagoon pinnacles. This particular patch on R-buoy pinnacle was first noticed growing nearly 30 years ago. At the rate it seemed to be expanding, it looked as though it would eventually cover the entire pinnacle. However, growth appeared to stop, but the colony has been stable at about 8m in diameter for some years.
The sponge grew over areas of dead and living coral.
The layer of sponge is mostly thin, revealing the shapes of the corals covered.
Small patches form branching or maze-like sections.
A species of Sagaminopteron is found on this sponge.
Created 1 June 2019