Description: A branching erect to palm-like sponge with branches webbed together along their length. It may grow to a height of 5cm. The terminal branches are typically 5mm in diameter. The colour is pale yellow to orange and usually there is detritus adhering to the bristly surface. Formerly known as Stelligera rigida.

Habitat: Usually found in sheltered locations with some current but also at exposed sites in deeper water.

Distribution: A fairly common and widely distributed species in the British Isles.

Similar Species: This species may be confused with Stelligera stuposa but in this species the branches are rarely fused, it is also taller than S. montagui reaching a height of 10cm (c.f. S. montagui which rarely exceeds 5cm). In form it may resemble Axinella damicornis, but the colour, robust bristles and sliminess of S. rigida are charateristic.

Key Identification Features:

• A small, yellow erect sponge with webbed branches.
• Bristly surface.
• Slightly slimy to the touch.

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

iNaturalist: Stelligera montagui at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Stelligera montagui at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Stelligera montagui Van Soest & Hooper, 2020. AphiaID: 1424275.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Demospongiae; Heteroscleromorpha; Axinellida; Stelligeridae; Stelligera