Kauaʻi record · KCA-WOI-00136
Spheciospongia vagabunda
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About Spheciospongia vagabunda
Spheciospongia vagabunda is a substantial reef sponge placed in the family Clionaidae. Published field references document rounded or irregularly lobed growths with visible water outlets, rather than one fixed outline. Its surface and silhouette can change with growth and local conditions, so a field photograph is a reference to appearance, not a sufficient identification key. The Atlas links its historical Kauaʻi listing to the named taxon while preserving the date and source; photographs from other localities remain clearly labelled as comparative species imagery.
The Kauaʻi evidence comes from a historical source record dated 2002-2003, retained as “Spheciospongia vagabunda” in Appendix B P62 of the cited survey. This preserves evidence of the reported occurrence; it does not establish present-day distribution or abundance.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Spheciospongia vagabunda
- Family
- Clionaidae
- Order
- Clionaida
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Historical source record (2002-2003); current presence not reassessed
- Origin
- Origin not yet resolved
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Spheciospongia vagabunda is a substantial reef sponge placed in the family Clionaidae. Historically reported from Kauaʻi (2002-2003).
Sources and further reading
- Coles, S.L., L.G. Eldredge, F. Kandel, P.R. Reath & K. Longenecker. 2004. Assessment of Nonindigenous Species on Coral Reefs in the Hawaiian Islands, with Emphasis on Introduced Invertebrates. Bishop Museum Technical Report No. 27. — Appendix B P62
- Coral Reef Research Foundation — Splendid Sponges of Palau
- Recovery taxonomy reconciliation — World Porifera Database