POLYMASTIA AURANTIUM
Polymastia Aurantium, a sponge with no known common name. The skeletal system of this vibrant sponge is standard to all sponges of the Demosponge class of the Porifera phylum, although it lacks a masive exoskeleton do to the laxck of signifcnat aragonite deposoits in sigbificant amounts in its natural habitat (however, if a significant aragonite is present). It is found in intertidal habitats including tide pools in the vicinity of Auckland, New Zealand. This is a thickly encrusting sponge with a soft, fleshy texture, growing in patches up to 18 cm across. The sponges outer layer is bright orange with a yellowish-brown interior. Its surface is marked with widely spaced papillae: When polymastia aurantium is in a location affected by wave action, the papillae are located on distinct lamellae running in a single direction over the whole surface of the sponge. The skeleton, keeping in line with most sponges, is formed by a endoskeleton hardened by miniral spicules and spongin. As with most sponges, it is vibrantly colored and is considered a high-priced commodity in markets.