Growth form massive-lobate, surface finely conulose, single oscules scattered or at the apex of lobes, pre-oscular cavities well evident. Colour in vivo from light grey to black. Ectosomal skeleton as apices of primary fibres joining secondary fibres to form the conical reticulum which supports the conules. Choanosomal skeleton: network dense with irregular polygonal meshes of secondaries joining to form ascending primaries. Primary fibres (50–100 µm in diameter) typically twisted with ornamentations as parallel ridges along the main fibre axis mainly developed and evident towards the surface, cored with sand grains and spicules. Secondaries (20–35 µm in diameter) with ornamentations as parallel ridges along the main fibre axis, twisted and characterised by concentric layers of compact spongin surrounding the compact axial core without inclusions. 

'Cup shaped body with a black or dark skin. The oscules are situated on the floor of the cup. Groups of pores on the outer surface lead by short fine canals into spaces just below the skin;' (British Museum (Natural History) 1902)

Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Alboran Sea, Azores Canaries Madeira, Greek Exclusive Economic Zone, Gulf of Mexico, Levantine Sea, Tunisian Plateau/Gulf of Sidra

Usually found in intertidal zones at water's edge.

Depth range based on 12 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 10 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 5 - 37
  Temperature range (°C): 16.315 - 23.797
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.211 - 0.534
  Salinity (PPS): 35.982 - 38.201
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.807 - 5.541
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.096 - 0.131
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.805 - 1.379

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 5 - 37

Temperature range (°C): 16.315 - 23.797

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.211 - 0.534

Salinity (PPS): 35.982 - 38.201

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.807 - 5.541

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.096 - 0.131

Silicate (umol/l): 0.805 - 1.379
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.