Haliclona oculata

Jeremy Pierce I'm guessing at Haliclona oculata (Mermaid's Glove) ??? Eastern Kings today again at the ridge of the reef about 12m. Cheers JAP :-)

Keith Hiscock Yes, quite a few colonies there.

Yep, also occurs on Lees Wreck Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland

Brendan Oonk Even this sponge grows in places with a lot of current it becomes thick and heavy. In places with less current it Will be more slender

Brendan Oonk Even=when

Brendan Oonk Sorry its hard to typ a message in English, with Dutch auto-correct on :)

Mandy Knott I know it's not the best photo to ID from but can anyone help confirm this please? Is it Haliclona oculata from an odd angle - this species was abundant at this site, or am I missing something?

Mandy Knott Thanks Dawn. It was different to the rest of them and initially from my photo I wasn't sure if there was a large terminal oscule. A photo on http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/index.html

Mandy Knott threw me a bit - Haliclona urceolus...

Maria Harwood I don't suppose "pointy thngy" is the kind of description you had in mind?

Erling Svensen From yesterdays dive. I saw many Jorunna tomentosa - some eating sponge, but also some on the tine green algae. Any clue what they do on the algae? Maybe like the dogs - they eat grass for their stommac ;-)

Tony Gilbert A good point. Perhaps they off-gas on other marine life. Is the sponge a Haliclona oculata, which I think is their food source. They do seem to hack this down very quickly! http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyjgilbert-images/6914276366/in/set-72157629775691515