Description: This sponge consists of a thin yellow encrustation usually covered with some adherent silt. Typically it forms irregular patches with some holes. There are inconspicuous darker excurrent channels which converge on regularly spaced small oscules. Paratimea constellata is the name which was in use for this species but it is now known to be a distinct species and confined to deeper water.

Habitat: Usually on steep or horizontal rock surfaces with some silt covering. An open coast species which is normally in 25m or greater depth.

Distribution: Western coasts of the British Isles.

Similar Species: There are a number of similar yellow encrusting sponges and microscopic examination of this species is necessary for confirmation. Once a population has been confirmed in an area it may be recognisable in situ.

Key Identification Features:

• Irregular yellow patches forming thin crusts
• Edge of patches tapering onto rock surface

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

iNaturalist: Paratimea loennbergi at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Paratimea loennbergi at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Paratimea loennbergi (Alander, 1942). AphiaID: 134168.

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