rubber sponge Leucetta leptoraphis

Leucetta leptoraphis is found in Antarctica from shallow depths down to 450 meters [1,2,3]. The color of L. leptoraphis is light tan, greyish-white to olive-green, and (rarely) pink [2,3].



Leucetta leptoraphis is less commonly seen, being 0.2% of the benthic surface cover and 0.04% of the sponge biomass at a Cape Armitage site [2]. L. leptoraphis may be found attached to the valves of Limatula hodgsoni or small rocks and is usually found in the third benthic zone below 33 meters at Cape Armitage [2].

An extract from L. leptoraphis has antibacterial and antiyeast activity [4].

Taxonomic Note: Sometimes the species name is misspelled as leptorhapsis.

1: Hooper, JNA & Wiedenmayer, F. Porifera. IN: Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 12. Wells, A, ed. Melbourne : CSIRO Australia, 1994; 2: Ecological Monographs 44(1):105-128, 1974; 3: A revision of the classification of the Calcareous sponges; with a catalogue of the specimens in the British Museum (Natural History). Burton, Maurice. London : British Museum (Natural History), 1963; 4: Antarctic Science 4(2):179-183, 1992

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