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DistributionRange:BES-eilanden: Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius Author:Floris Bennema, feb, 2016 Literature:- Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2002). Reef Creature Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (p. 420). Jacksonville (FL): New World Publications.
- Interactive Guide to Caribbean Diving. M. De Kluijver, G. Gijswijt, R. de Leon & I. da Cunda.
- The Sponge Guide. S. Zea, Henkel, T.P., and Pawlik, J.R. 2014. Name:Azure vase sponge Summary:Pink to purple vase sponge, with the outer surface provided with an elaborate system of meandering grooves and rounded depressions. ToBeConfusedWith:Pink vase sponge, Niphates digitalis, but that species has a spiny surface. Characteristics:Size: Vases up to 27 cm in height, 13.5 cm in diameter; vents up to 6.5 cm in diameter. Pits and grooves 0.5-1 cm in depth, 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter.
Pink to purple and fluoresces light blue.
Shape: Vase-shaped or tubaeform with the outer surface characteristically provided with an elaborate system of meandering grooves and/or rounded pits. Terminal vent somewhat constricted, with a transparent, thin collar. Vases mostly solitary, but occasionally there are small side-tubes. Inner walls smooth, somewhat ridged lengthwise, with scattered oscules, 1-5 mm in diameter.
Cosistency: Spongy. HabitatEnvironmentAndEcology:Inhabit coral reefs, most commonly on walls. Often associated with Sponge brittle stars (Ophiothrix suensonii).
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