Halichondria panicea is an encrusting sponge covering surfaces of several square centimeters.
According to habitat, it may form groups or even massive structures. Borders are irregular and lobe-shaped. Oscules
are clearly visible and crater-shaped. The surface is smooth and glossy. The colour is variable from orange-yellow
to brownish green. A symbiotic algae inhabits the sponge tissues giving it its green colour, or more rarely a
reddish brown colour. This species is also strongly odoriferous.
It is very frequent in the intertidal area, attached to rocks, algae, shells and can also live in deep water areas.
It is recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and down to the
Mediterranean Sea.
Often confused with other encrusting sponges whose surface sometimes resembling bread-crumb.
(source: European Register of Marine Species)
Oscule : Opening generally quite visible, through which sponges expel water they have filtered to extract food particles.
Halichondria panicea
Lobate form.
Halichondria panicea
Large lobes.
Top photograph :
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Halichondria panicea,
Port-Manech, South-Brittany, West of France. Depth 3 meters.
Bottom photographs : © Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Halichondria panicea, Lobate form.. Ria d’Etel, South-Brittany, West of France. Depth 12 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Halichondria panicea, Large lobes.. Ria d’Etel, South-Brittany, West of France. Depth 11 meters.
Text : Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat © 2004-2018.
Translation : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2007-2018.
