White Lace Calcareous Sponge

Clathrina coriacea

The White Lace Calcareous Sponge, Clathrina coriacea, is a calcareous sponge known for its delicate, lace-like appearance. Its structure consists of a tightly-knit latticework of calcium carbonate tubes, often appearing as flat encrustations in white, yellow, grey, pale rose, or orange hues. Typically, this sponge ranges from 1 cm to 3 cm in diameter and features a central osculum. It thrives in shallow waters along the North Atlantic coasts, including the British Isles, and has been recorded at depths up to 650 meters. It is commonly found on rocky substrates, kelp holdfasts, and other sponges, often sharing habitats with Dendrodoa grossularia in caves and canyons. This sponge species is a filter feeder, consuming picoplankton and various Chaetoceros species. It plays a crucial role in cycling food particles throughout its environment. The White Lace Calcareous Sponge reproduces both sexually and asexually, with a reproductive period from July to October. As a hermaphroditic species, it can undergo fragmentation and oogenesis, with environmental factors like temperature influencing its reproductive processes. Divers encountering this sponge may notice its slow movements as it contracts and changes shape. It is not evaluated for conservation status, but its presence is widespread in suitable habitats. Observing this sponge can provide insight into the complex ecosystems of shallow marine environments.