P-30 RED BEARD SPONGE, Clathria prolifera
A brick red encrusting, lamellate sponge. Microciona along with Cliona celata, the boring sponge, is used to demonstrate cellular reaggregation, However, there appear to be significant biochemical differences between the Gulf of Mexico form and Microciona prolifera at Woods Hole. Some researchers have found the aggregation of the Gulf form to be superior to the North Atlantic red beard. Size variable: 2-4 cm.