Description: Very variable. Thin sheets may have thin tassel-like outgrowths reminiscent of Halichondria bowerbanki, but are thinner. Encrusting forms resemble Haliclona viscosa or Halichondria cinerea, with lobate growths each with oscules. Tassel-like forms similar to Iophon nigricans have been observed in sheltered conditions. Greyish beige, with a tinge of pink or purple. Very soft, compressible. These may be the most constant feature of the external appearance of this species. The oscules have a raised transparent rim with a few converging transparent excurrent canals. The oscular rims may develop short tassels reminiscent of Amphilectus fucorum (q.v.). However, in thinly encrusting specimens the oscules may not be apparent.

Habitat: On rock, algae, bryozoans such as Cellaria and Pentapora, etc, in sites sheltered from wave action, but with moderate tidal streams. Infralittoral.

Distribution: Recently reported from Shetland, W. coast of Scotland, Ireland, probably not uncommon.

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

iNaturalist: Rhaphidostyla kitchingi at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.