Orange Lumpy Sponge

Overview

The Orange Lumpy Sponge (Acanthella acuta) is a distinctive marine sponge known for its vibrant coloration and unique, cactus-like appearance. It is a relatively common species found across the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean.

Appearance

This sponge typically grows as a massive, compact structure attached to the substrate by a short stalk. Its surface is notably hispid, or bristly, covered in numerous irregular, pointed, and flattened conical papillae that give it the appearance of a small orange cactus. The body is generally firm and cartilaginous, with a color ranging from yellow-orange to a vivid, deep orange. Due to the irregular, convoluted surface, the sponge's oscules—the openings through which water exits—are often difficult to distinguish from the surrounding tissue folds.

Distribution & habitat

Acanthella acuta is primarily distributed throughout the Mediterranean, including the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, and extends into the Northeast Atlantic, reaching as far north as the Bay of Biscay and the Basque coast. It is also found along the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands, and the Cape Verde archipelago. It favors semi-dark, rocky environments, including underwater caves, cliffs, and coralligenous habitats, typically occurring in the infralittoral zone.