Description: A cup-like or lamellate sponge, attached by a fairly narrow base. The edge of the cup/fan is sharp, not neatly rounded as in Axinella infundibuliformis. The colour is usually pale grey to cream.

Habitat: Appears to be restricted to lower circalittoral rock in slightly sheltered locations close to deep water.

Distribution: Known recently from scattered localities on the west and north coasts of Ireland and also the west coast of Scotland.

Similar Species: Similar to Axinella infundibuliformis but often larger and more brittle, with a sharp edge to the cup (rounded in A. infundibuliformis). The colour is pale grey c.f. A. infundibuliformis which is pale yellow.

Key Identification Features:

• Cup shaped sponge.
• Pale grey colour.
• Sharp edged rim to cup.

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

iNaturalist: Phakellia ventilabrum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Phakellia ventilabrum at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Phakellia ventilabrum (Linnaeus, 1767). AphiaID: 132511.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Demospongiae; Heteroscleromorpha; Bubarida; Bubaridae; Phakellia