| PORIFERA : Baerida : Baeriidae | SPONGES |
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| Leuconia johnstonii |
Description: This sponge normally consists of flask-shaped lobes with terminal openings, resembling a cluster of Scypha ciliata, but with a common basal crust. The colour may be off-white to beige but is often indiscernible due to the amount of silt that is trapped on the surface.
Habitat: Frequently found on vertical bedrock cliffs, overhangs and wrecks in wave exposed sites or strong tidal streams.
Distribution: Widespread throughout the British Isles, Channel coasts of France and Spain.
Similar Species: This species is similar to Leuconia nivea but L. nivea has a smoother surface and doesn't trap silt.
Key Identification Features:
Distribution Map from NBN: Leuconia johnstonii at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.
iNaturalist: Leuconia johnstonii at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.
WoRMS: Leuconia johnstonii at World Register of Marine Species.
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| Picton, B.E., Keatley, L. & Morrow, C.C. (2026). Leuconia johnstonii. . [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. https://habitas.org/mbdp/species.php?item=C570. Accessed on 2026-11-01 |