Description: On the low shore this sponge usually grows as a hard encrustation that is white to pale grey in colour. Sublittorally it often forms a hard cushion with lobes and ridges.

Habitat: Common beneath boulders on the low shore. Also found sublittorally in areas of strong water movement.

Distribution: A common species in the British Isles.

Similar Species: May be confused with Leuconia johnstoni however L. nivea has a smooth, clean surface whereas the former traps silt and has a dirty appearance.

Key Identification Features:

• Hard to the touch.
• Forms a cushion with lobes and ridges.

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

iNaturalist: Leuconia nivea at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Leuconia nivea at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Leuconia nivea (Grant, 1826). AphiaID: 132201.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Calcarea; Calcaronea; Baeriida; Baeriidae; Leuconia