Azure Vase Sponge

Azure Vase Sponge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Haplosclerida
Family: Callyspongiidae
Genus: Callyspongia
Species: C. plicifera
Binomial name
Callyspongia plicifera
(Lamarck, 1814))
Synonyms
  • Patuloscula plicifera
  • Spinosella plicifera
  • Spongia plicifera
  • Spongia scrobiculata

Azure Vase Sponge (Callyspongia plicifera) is a species of demosponge belonging to the Callyspongiidae family. It is native to The Bahamas where it is found at a depth of 31.5-44.2 m. It was first described in 1814 by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.[1]

Characteristics

The Azure Vase Sponge is a vase shaped demosponge that grow up to 27 cm in height and 13.5 cm in diameter. Its outer surface consists of 0.5-1 cm deep rounded pits and grooves while the inner surface is smooth with 1-5 mm scattered openings. The vent at the top is up to 6.5 cm in diameter and has a thin, transparent collar. They are pink to purple in colour and fluoresce light blue.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Callyspongia plicifera". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Azure vase sponge (Callyspongia plicifera)". Marine Species Indentifiacation Portal. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
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