Pseudospongosorites

Pseudospongosorites is a genus of sea sponges belonging to the family Suberitidae. Currently, the genus is considered as monotypic, consisting of a single species Pseudospongosorites suberitoides. It is found in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and on the Atlantic coast of the United States as far north as North Carolina. This species is known by the common name Florida hermit crab sponge, so named because hermit crabs often use it as shelter.

Taxonomy

Pseudospongosorites suberitoides was originally thought to represent a species in the genus Suberites, due to its superficial resemblance and similar ecology. Genetic work in 2002 led to its current classification as the sole member of a new genus under family Suberitidae and order Hadromerida. == Description ==

Description

P. suberitoides has a smooth, waxy texture and is slightly compressible. It can grow over 10 centimeters long. It is polymorphic, typically appearing as green, brown, or tan, but approximately 10% of specimens are bright orange. Dead, desiccated specimens that may wash up on a beach are often turquoise-blue. All P. suberitoides specimens contain gemmules, which are not usually produced by marine sponges. == Distribution ==

Distribution

P. suberitoides is mostly found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, though a few specimens have been collected from the North Carolina coast. They may occur in greatest abundance on the shores of the Apalachee Bay, along the Gulf Coast in northwestern Florida. == Ecology ==

Ecology

P. suberitoides colonizes gastropod shells, especially those of the genus Cantharus. The hermit crab may also benefit from the unpalatibility of the sponge and camouflage the sponge provides. ==References==

Source: Wikipedia ↗

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