Species ID
OC-SP-0002819
Discovered
Phylum
Porifera
Species ID
OC-SP-0002819
Provisional Species Name
Cladorhiza sp_OCSS0442
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Cladorhiza
Lowest Known Rank
Genus
Status
Discovered
Does the taxonomist(s) intend to work on this material further?
2. I/We already have plans to publish. (For marine invertebrates please know that SOSA could support you in this too - please click the button for more details).
Embargo
No
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Porifera
Class
Demospongiae
Order
Poecilosclerida
Family
Cladorhizidae
Genus
Cladorhiza
Date Identified
12/08/2025
Taxonomic Remarks
This species has an unusual external morphology, shared with 10 other species in this genus which share this unusual Crinorhiza-morphology. The skeletal composition is similar to all these species, however, the anisochelae are often twice as large and differ slightly in appearance, and the smaller size styles are generally polytylotic, which is rarely found.
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
07/04/2026
Description of Material
Specimen is an erect pedunculated sponge. The specimen was collected with its root structure. The main body is sub-globular with c. 10-12 radial projections and lightly bristly in texture. No oscule observed in the main body. Megasclere: Style I: (mycalostyle) 950-2800 μm, Substyle II: 560-700 μm Microsclere: Anisochelae (3 teeth): 80-110 μm, Sigma (C and S): 60-100 μm
Ecology
Carnivorous. Amphipods were sighted on the specimen
Distribution
SO801 Event 9; North Trench: -58.079, -24.75, 3684 m
Scientific Name Authorship
Rachel Downey
Join the census
The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
