Description: Branching-erect yellow sponge in which the branches rarely fuse. The surface is covered by even bristles which often trap a layer of silt. Individuals may grow to a height of 15cm.

Habitat: Often found in moderately exposed sites or sheltered sites with some current, often with Raspailia ramosa, Stelligera stuposa and other Axinellid sponges.

Distribution: Widespread on western coasts of the British Isles and also in the Irish Sea.

Similar Species: Can be difficult to distinguish from Stelligera stuposa by sight alone however S. stuposa produces quantities of slime when taken out of water.

Key Identification Features:

• Branching-erect yellow sponge.
• Even 'bristly' surface.
• Doesn't produce slime.

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

iNaturalist: Raspailia hispida at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Raspailia hispida at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Raspailia (Clathriodendron) hispida (Montagu, 1814). AphiaID: 133147.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Demospongiae; Heteroscleromorpha; Axinellida; Raspailiidae; Raspailiinae; Raspailia