Description: A yellow to orange coloured branching-erect sponge which can grow to a height of 10cm. The branches in this species are rarely fused (c.f. Stelligera rigida). It has a bristly surface which often traps particles of silt. This species exudes quantities of slime when taken out of the water.

Habitat: A typical species of the circalittoral zone, found on open rock, crevices and stones.

Distribution: A common species throughout the British Isles, at least on western coasts.

Similar Species: Production of slime in a hairy, free branching sponge is probably indicative of Stelligera stuposa. The species with which it is most frequently confused is Raspailia hispida however this species does not produce slime.

Key Identification Features:

• Branching-erect yellow sponge in which branches rarely fuse.
• Bristly surface.
• Production of slime when out of water.

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

iNaturalist: Stelligera stuposa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Stelligera stuposa at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Stelligera stuposa (Ellis & Solander, 1786). AphiaID: 134175.

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