The area of origin of the sponge Haliclona (Soestella) xena is unknown. It is assumed that oyster culture is at the basis of its introduction. The species was discovered in the Netherlands in 1977. However, it was not until 1986 that this species, unknown to science, was described and given its scientific name. In 2009, the species had spread along the Dutch coast, both in Zeeland and the Wadden Sea. In Belgium, this sponge was first observed in 1988 in the marina of Zeebrugge and since 2009 in the Sluice Dock of Ostend. This purple-red to light brown sponge attaches itself to all kinds of substrates in marine and brackish waters. |
