Yellow staghorn sponge (Axinella dissimilis)
Axinella dissimilis at Stoke Point, Plymouth.
Photographer: Keith Hiscock Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock
Axinella dissimilis at Hilsea Point Rock, Plymouth.
Photographer: Keith Hiscock Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock
Axinella dissimilis at Stoke Point, Plymouth.
Photographer: Keith Hiscock Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock
Axinella dissimilis in a rich marine community.
Photographer: Keith Hiscock Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock
Axinella dissimilis with Alcyonium glomeratum on L'Etac, Channel Isles.
Photographer: Sue Daly Copyright: Sue Daly
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.Map Help
| Researched by | Angus Jackson | Refereed by | This information is not refereed |
| Authority | (Bowerbank, 1866) | ||
| Other common names | - | Synonyms | Axinella polypoides Schmidt, 1862 |
Summary
Description
A medium sized, branching, finger-like sponge. Usually about 15 cm high and yellow / orange in colour. The branches are approximately oval and are rather irregular in diameter along their length, being typically around 1.5 cm. The sponge often branches in nearly the same plane forming a rough fan-shape. There is a short stem, rather thicker than the branches. The sponge surface has a velvety texture and is moderately firm but elastic.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
Present at a few sites around Mull, the south west of England and the western extremities of Wales. In Ireland there are records from the south east, the south west, and along the Atlantic coast round to the north east.Global distribution
South western British Isles, the Channel Isles, Atlantic coasts of France and Spain. Recorded also from Iceland.Habitat
Axinella dissimilis is typically found in exposed open coasts, on upward facing bedrock or other hard surfaces in the circalittoral zone.Depth range
? - 100+Identifying features
- A yellow / orange branching sponge about 15 cm in height.
- Skeletal spicules give the surface a velvety texture.
- Sponge surface cracks if bent more than 90 °C.
- A number of short, shallow grooves radiate from the oscula.
Additional information
Axinella polypoides is still used by some authors (e.g. Hayward and Ryland, 1995). However, Axinella polypoides is now considered to be a separate species confined to the Mediterranean (Howson & Picton, 1997). Axinella dissimilis may be confused with other branching sponges e.g. Stelligera stuposa and Raspailia hispida. However the relatively thicker branches and grooves surrounding the oscula are distinguishing features.
Listed by
- none -
Biology review
Taxonomy
| Phylum | Porifera | Sponges |
| Class | Demospongiae | Siliceous sponges |
| Order | Axinellida | |
| Family | Axinellidae | |
| Genus | Axinella | |
| Authority | (Bowerbank, 1866) | |
| Recent Synonyms | Axinella polypoides Schmidt, 1862 | |
Biology
| Typical abundance | Moderate density | ||
| Male size range | up to 15cm | ||
| Male size at maturity | |||
| Female size range | Medium(11-20 cm) | ||
| Female size at maturity | |||
| Growth form | Fan-like | ||
| Growth rate | No information found | ||
| Body flexibility | High (greater than 45 degrees) | ||
| Mobility | |||
| Characteristic feeding method | Active suspension feeder, No information | ||
| Diet/food source | |||
| Typically feeds on | Suspended particulate matter. | ||
| Sociability | |||
| Environmental position | Epibenthic | ||
| Dependency | No information found. | ||
| Supports | No information found | ||
| Is the species harmful? | Data deficient | ||
Biology information
Size range refers to height. There is no information detailing whether the sexes are separate. Although elastic and flexible the surface of the sponge cracks if bent more than 90° (Moss & Ackers 1982). There is no information regarding the toxicity of this species.
Habitat preferences
| Physiographic preferences | Open coast, Offshore seabed |
| Biological zone preferences | Lower circalittoral, Lower infralittoral, Upper circalittoral |
| Substratum / habitat preferences | Bedrock, Large to very large boulders |
| Tidal strength preferences | |
| Wave exposure preferences | Exposed, Extremely exposed, Moderately exposed, Very exposed |
| Salinity preferences | Full (30-40 psu) |
| Depth range | ? - 100+ |
| Other preferences | No text entered |
| Migration Pattern | Non-migratory / resident |
Habitat Information
Konnecker (1977) also records Axinella dissimilis as an offshore species found on rock patches surrounded by shell gravel or coarse sand. In the Channel Islands, Brittany and Lough Hyne, Co. Cork the species also occurs on infralittoral bedrock (Picton & Costello, 1997). The sponge is recorded from depths of at least 100 m (Cabioch, 1968)Life history
Adult characteristics
| Reproductive type | No information | |
| Reproductive frequency | No information | |
| Fecundity (number of eggs) | No information | |
| Generation time | Insufficient information | |
| Age at maturity | Insufficient information | |
| Season | Insufficient information | |
| Life span | Insufficient information |
Larval characteristics
| Larval/propagule type | - |
| Larval/juvenile development | No information |
| Duration of larval stage | No information |
| Larval dispersal potential | No information |
| Larval settlement period | Insufficient information |
Life history information
No information is available regarding the longevity or reproductive mechanism of this species.Sensitivity review
The MarLIN sensitivity assessment approach used below has been superseded by the MarESA (Marine Evidence-based Sensitivity Assessment) approach (see menu). The MarLIN approach was used for assessments from 1999-2010. The MarESA approach reflects the recent conservation imperatives and terminology and is used for sensitivity assessments from 2014 onwards.
Physical pressures
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
| High | No information | High | High | |
| The species is permanently attached to the substratum. Substratum loss would result in the entire population. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Low | |
| Axinella dissimilis is an upright branching sponge up to 15 cm in height. Smothering by 5 cm of sediment may cover or damage some individuals of the population. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Low | |
| Sponges are active particulate suspension feeders. Increases in deposition of suspended sediment may interfere with feeding, clogging pores and channels etc. Many sponges have cleaning mechanisms for dealing with siltation such as sloughing of outer cells or mucus production. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| High | No information | High | Low | |
| The species inhabits the lower infralittoral and circalittoral zones and as such is never exposed to the air. Desiccation, although unlikely, would probably result in death. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| High | No information | High | Low | |
| The species inhabits the lower infralittoral and circalittoral zones and as such is never subject to an emergence regime. Emergence, although unlikely, would probably result in death. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Low | No information | Moderate | Low | |
| Axinella dissimilis inhabits rocky, wave exposed areas where water flow rate is potentially high. The species has an upright branching growth form protruding up in to water column. Large increases in water flow rate may interfere with the posture of the animal, cause physical damage. Reductions in water flow rate may affect feeding efficiency. No information is available regarding growth rates or recovery from physical damage. The cellular level of organisation in Porifera facilitates regeneration. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Low | |
| There is no available information about the tolerance of Axinella dissimilis to changes in temperature. In the British Isles it has a mainly southern and western distribution. The species is found in warmer waters as far south as Spain. It is replaced in the Mediterranean by the very similar species, Axinella polypoides (Howson & Picton, 1997). Long term increases in temperature may cause extension of the British Isles populations and decreases in temperature may result in population shrinkage. Short term acute changes in temperature may also cause death. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Tolerant | No information | Not sensitive | High | |
| The species has no ability for visual perception hence it is tolerant to changes in light penetration and attenuation. It is found at depths of at least 100 m (Cabioch, 1968) where light levels are low. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Very low | |
| Axinella dissimilis lives in wave exposed areas. Decreases in wave exposure may result in conditions outside the preferred range of the species and may cause shrinkage in population distribution. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Tolerant | No information | Not sensitive | Low | |
| It is unlikely that the species has any facility for detection of noise vibrations | ||||
| Tolerant | No information | Not sensitive | High | |
| The species has no ability for visual perception hence it is not sensitive to visual disturbance. It is found at depths of at least 100 m (Cabioch, 1968) where light levels are low. | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Low | |
| The species is quite elastic and flexible (Moss & Ackers, 1982). However, if the sponge is bent more than 90 ° the surface will crack. The sponge branches upright into the water column. Abrasion may physically damage or dislodge the sponge. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
| High | No information | High | Low | |
| The species is permanently attached to the substratum. It is unlikely to be able to reform this attachment if displaced. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
Chemical pressures
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| High | No information | High | Low | |
| The species inhabits open coasts and off-shore areas where salinity is likely to be full. Decreases in salinity will result in conditions outside the preferred range for the species, probably causing death.. | ||||
| No information | ||||
| Intermediate | No information | High | Low | |
| There is no information regarding the tolerance of Axinella dissimilis to changes in oxygen concentration. However, Cole et al., (1999) suggest possible adverse effects on marine species below 4 mg/l and probable adverse effects below 2mg/l. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. Most sponges however, tend to be slow growing and long lived. | ||||
Biological pressures
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
| Insufficient information | ||||
| Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant | Low | |
| As this sponge species has no current commercial, culinary or research value, it is unlikely that it will be exploited and extracted. | ||||
| Tolerant | No information | Not sensitive | Very low | |
| Axinella dissimilis has no known obligate relationships so the loss of other species is unlikely to have an impact. | ||||
Additional information
Importance review
Policy/legislation
- no data -
Status
| National (GB) importance | - | Global red list (IUCN) category | - |
Non-native
| Native | - | ||
| Origin | - | Date Arrived | - |
Importance information
Axinella dissimilis may occur amongst quite dense assemblages of animals but there is no information regarding actual abundances (Cabioch, 1968). Many sponges provide shelter for small organisms such as shrimps but there are no records of such with Axinella dissimilis.Bibliography
Bowerbank, J.S., 1865. A monograph of the British Spongiadae, vol. II. London: Ray Society.
Cabioch, L., 1968. Contribution a la connaissance des peuplements benthiques de la Manche occidentale. Cahiers de Biologie Marine, 9, 493 - 720.
Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E., 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]
JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 1999. Marine Environment Resource Mapping And Information Database (MERMAID): Marine Nature Conservation Review Survey Database. [on-line] http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid
Konnecker, G., 1973. Littoral and benthic investigations on the west coast of Ireland - I. Section A: Faunistic and Ecological Studies. The sponge fauna of Kilkieran Bay and adjacent area. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 73(B), 451 - 472.
Moss, D., & Ackers, G. (eds.), 1982. The UCS Sponge Guide. Produced by R. Earll. Ross-on-Wye: The Underwater Conservation Society.
Picton, B.E. & Costello, M.J., 1998. BioMar biotope viewer: a guide to marine habitats, fauna and flora of Britain and Ireland. [CD-ROM] Environmental Sciences Unit, Trinity College, Dublin.
Datasets
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, 2018. Ulster Museum Marine Surveys of Northern Ireland Coastal Waters. Occurrence dataset https://www.nmni.com/CEDaR/CEDaR-Centre-for-Environmental-Data-and-Recording.aspx accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-25.
NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.
OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), 2023. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2023-03-30
Citation
This review can be cited as:
Last Updated: 17/04/2008
