Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
This encrusting species forms a layer a few millimetres thick, orange to pinkish red, following irregularities in the supporting surface. The finely grainy surface bears round, slightly raised oscula, the openings that release water. Visible channels converge on them.
The skeleton includes tylostyles, needles pointed at one end and swollen at the other, and spirasters, small spiny elements. These microscopic features are more precise than colour for confirming identification.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It lives on dim rocky surfaces, beneath overhangs and in caves, including shallow water. French observations include Provence and Corsica.
In these settings, surface orientation matters alongside depth when describing light exposure. An overhanging rock can shelter a sponge very near the surface.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Numerous small pores admit water carrying food particles. Choanocytes, cells with a collar and a moving filament, contribute to pumping and food capture. Water then enters outgoing pathways leading to the oscula.
Food is processed within cells. Neither the large visible openings nor the raised channels are mouths or blood vessels.
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