Description: This pale to bright yellow sponge sponge forms cushions which are typically 6 mm thick by 2-5cm in extent. The surface is covered with conspicuous circular pore sieves and there are a few scattered oscules. The spiculation is distinctive and includes unusual long curved acanthostyles which are mostly smooth but with sparsely spined heads.

Habitat: Tide-swept steep or vertical rock, in deep, clear water, from 25 m onwards.

Distribution: To date only recorded from the North Channel (Rathlin Island and The Maidens), may be some records from the west coast of Ireland.

Similar Species: Could potentially be confused with some other yellow sponges with large pore sieves. In situ identification should be possible with experience, however inspection of spicules may be required.

Key Identification Features:

• Pale to bright yellow colour.
• Conspicuous circular pore sieves.
• Distinctive spicules.

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

iNaturalist: Lissodendoryx jenjonesae at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae

WoRMS: Lissodendoryx jenjonesae at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae Picton & Goodwin, 2007. AphiaID: 255165.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Porifera; Demospongiae; Heteroscleromorpha; Poecilosclerida; Coelosphaeridae; Lissodendoryx