Description: This sponge is usually found filling crevices in vertical rock faces. It has the appearance of a black membrane stretched across the back of the crevice.

Habitat: In crevices in vertical and overhanging rock faces, especially on limestone.

Distribution: Known recently from the west and southwest coasts of the British Isles.

Similar Species: This is the only thick black sponge known to be found in the British Isles.

Key Identification Features:

• Black coloration.
• Habit of bridging crevices.

Distribution Map from NBN: Dercitus bucklandi at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Dercitus bucklandi at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Dercitus bucklandi at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Dercitus (Dercitus) bucklandi (Bowerbank, 1858). AphiaID: 555677.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Demospongiae; Heteroscleromorpha; Tetractinellida; Astrophorina; Ancorinidae; Dercitus