Learn & Explore/Species/Introduced & Invasive/Keyhole Sponge
Orange Keyhole Sponge
Category: Invasive
Rapidly spreading sponge known to overgrow native corals and sponges on patch reefs
Orange Keyhole Sponge (Mycale armata)
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Bright orange encrusting sponge
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Can grow up to one meter in diameter
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Firm but compresses and tears easily
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Large oscules spread evenly across body
Habitat
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Typically found in fouling communities such as floating docks, piers, and jetties
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Found on shallow patch reefs in Kāne‘ohe
Impacts & Concern
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Overgrows native corals and sponges on patch reefs 3
Introduction
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First reported in Pearl Harbor in 1996
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Unintentionally introduced, most likely through hull fouling
Distribution in Hawai’i
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Kauaʻi: Not documented
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O‘ahu: Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Harbor, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Barbers Point Harbor, Kāne‘ohe Bay
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Molokaʻi: Not documented
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Lānaʻi: Not documented
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Maui: Kahului Harbor
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Hawaiʻi Island: Not documented
References
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Eldredge, L. G., & Smith, C. M. (2001). A guidebook of introduced marine species in Hawai’i. Honolulu: Bishop Museum and the Univ. of Hawai’i.
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Bolick, H., & Coles, S. (2007). Invasive introduced sponge Mycale grandis overgrows reef corals in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Coral Reefs, 26(4), 911. DOI: 10.1007/s00338-007-0295-x
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Hawai’i Biological Survey (2001). Mycale armata. Introduced marine species of Hawai’iGuidebook. https://www2.bishopmuseum.org/HBS/invertguide/species/mycale_armata.htm
