Sponge was collected at an intertidal zone in Philippines. Upon collection, sponge was of brown-reddish color. Spicules viewed under light microscope.
Dear Adrienne,
this is not a sponge species, but a soft coral (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea) of the diverse genus Sinularia sp. You can find pictures of living colonies and a list of currently recognized species at https://science.naturalis.nl/en/people/scientists/leen-van-ofwegen/#sinulariaimages. The author, Dr. van Ofwegen is among the most experienced researchers of this genus. For species ID you would have to consider the diversity of sclerites in different parts of the colonies and usually refer to the primary species descriptions like Verseveldt's (1980) revision of the genus in Zoologische Verhandelingen 179: 1-128 and Verseveldt & Benayahu (1983) 208: 1-33. But this would need some time and practice... Further publications of more species by Dr. v. Ofwegen and various colleagues are available, including some genetic studies of the genus.
For a reliable ID possibly consult someone experienced in soft corals, best would be to send a sample section of a colony preserved in ethanole.
Hope this helps,
Cheers, Götz.
Dear Adrienne,
I think that the specimen of the first picture could be: Neoesperiopsis digitata
6 &7 you have: Eumastia sitiens, Halichondria sitiens, Pellina sitiens; Aphrocallistes vastus; Iophon Sponge ?!
Hope it helps
Best regards,
Hakima
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