Niphates caycedoi

Niphates caycedoi is a sponge species belonging to the family Niphates. This sponge forms thick crusts ranging from 2 to 6 cm in thickness and features compound oscules on top of low mounds. The external coloration is typically grayish-blue, transitioning to a lighter tan shade internally. Its surface may be punctuated with white zooanthids from the Parazoanthus species, adding to its distinctive appearance. The sponge is hard-compressible in consistency, making it identifiable to divers exploring its habitat. This species is predominantly found in the Western Central Atlantic region, thriving in tropical environments. It is commonly associated with mangrove habitats, where it resides in brackish waters. Niphates caycedoi is typically encountered at shallow depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters, with most occurrences recorded at depths shallower than 10 meters. As a member of the class Demospongiae, Niphates caycedoi exhibits hermaphroditic reproductive behavior. The life cycle begins with the zygote developing into a free-swimming parenchymella larva, which eventually settles on a substrate and grows into a young sponge. The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated by the IUCN, and it poses no threat to humans.