How big is the Mermaid's glove?

Mermaid's glove (Haliclona oculata) reaches 10–30 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Mermaid's glove?

Mermaid's glove is found between 4–250 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Mermaid's glove?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Mermaid's glove?

Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Mermaid's glove (Haliclona oculata)

Key facts

Scientific name: Haliclona oculata
Common name: Mermaid's glove
Category: Sponges
Family: Chalinidae
Genus: Haliclona
Size: 10–30 cm
Depth: 4–250 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

Haliclona oculata reaches 30 cm height. North Atlantic and Macaronesia sponge (Chalinidae) with erect body beige-orange to yellow-brown in branching fingers evoking a hand with extended fingers (hence mermaid's glove), smooth to slightly granular surface, scattered oscula on fingers. Lives from 4 to 250 m on rocky reefs and wrecks. Filter feeder. Present from Azores to Norway, regularly observed in East Atlantic coastal diving. Dive photo subject for its elegant hand-shaped silhouette, more often photographed by North Atlantic divers.

Photo of Mermaid's glove

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Mermaid's glove?: Mermaid's glove (Haliclona oculata) reaches 10–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mermaid's glove?: Mermaid's glove is found between 4–250 m deep.
Is the Mermaid's glove dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mermaid's glove?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Mermaid's glove?: Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 236327)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 10224995)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia