Yellow encrusting sponge

Aplysina aerophoba

Sighting evidence at Secca di Colombara, Ustica Island

Aplysina aerophoba coats the shaded faces of boulders and overhang edges at Secca di Colombara in vivid sulphur yellow, making it one of the most visually distinctive features of the site. It is a filter feeder with potent antimicrobial secondary metabolites — compounds currently under investigation for pharmaceutical applications. The sponge's presence in large, healthy patches indicates stable, clean water conditions with minimal fine sediment, consistent with Ustica's offshore and reserve-protected status.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Yellow encrusting sponge is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.