Occurrence of Paraleucilla magna (Porifera: Calcarea) in the Mediterranean Sea

• DOI: 10.1017/s0025315407057748
• Publication Date: 2007-12-03T06:09:51Z
• Authors: Caterina Longo; Francesco Mastrot...; Giuseppe Corriero
• Keywords: Sponge

The calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna has been detected at different Mediterranean sites (Taranto, Porto Cesareo, Brindisi and Naples). Its record in well studied areas where several benthic surveys have previously carried out suggests a recent introduction of the species into Sea. Until now this only recorded from Brazilian coast. It shows morphologies, varying tubular to an irregular massive shape with folds occurring on its surface. colour is white-cream. surface smooth. consistency friable. oscula are 10–20 mm diameter located top protrusions. skeleton consists cortical subatrial triactines tetractines, together atrial triactines, differently distributed body. abundant eutrophic environments, seasonally it may reach very high frequency values large dimensions. resistant pollution, but also able live clean waters. inclusion among alien invasive suggested.