Suberites dandelenae, the amorphous solid sponge, is a species of deep-sea demosponge from South Africa and Namibia.
This sponge is made up of rounded lobes. Each lobe has a distinct oscule on the top surface. Individual specimens can grow up to 40cm (20inches) in length.[1] It is yellow in colour and has a velvety surface. It breaks easily.
Several morphologically similar species occur, but they differ at the spicule level. The following spicules are present in this species:
This species is found off the west coast of southern Africa. It is known from the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, where it is found at depths of NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet). It is found on unconsolidated sediments such as sand.
This species grows in dense colonies.[2] As much as 18 tons per square kilometer (6.95 tons per square mile) can be collected in a single demersal trawl off some areas of the South African coast. It is considered to be a potential indicator of a vulnerable marine ecosystem.