''Ectyonopsis pluridentata'', the fused branch sponge, is a species of

demosponge Demosponges (Demospongiae) are the most diverse class in the phylum Porifera. They include 76.2% of all species of sponges with nearly 8,800 species worldwide (World Porifera Database). They are sponges with a soft body that covers a har ...

from South Africa.

Description

The fused branch sponge is made up of a thick cluster of fused branches arising from an indistinct base. It grows up to long and wide. It is beige to rusty brown in colour. The surface is rough and is covered in small (<) circular ostia. While it is firm and compressible, it also breaks easily.

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to South Africa. It is found on the South and West coasts of the country, where it lives at depths of .

References

Poecilosclerida Species described in 1963 Biodiversity of South Africa {{Demosponge-stub