This sponge is similar to figures we have seen of Dactylospongia elegans. This is found exposed on some lagoon and pinnacle reefs and appears to come in a couple of growth forms. Those on reefs tend to spread out forming low mounds. Those in lagoon Halimeda patches form tall spikes up to nearly a meter tall. These may turn out to be different species.
The yellowish brown sponge to left is Pseudoceratina purpurea.
Created 1 June 2019
Updated 17 March 2024