Callyspongia vaginalis
| Callyspongia vaginalis | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Porifera |
| Class: | Demospongiae |
| Subclass: | Ceractinomorpha |
| Order: | Haplosclerida |
| Family: | Callyspongiidae |
| Genus: | Callyspongia |
| Species: | C. vaginalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Callyspongia vaginalis (Lamarck, 1814) | |
Callyspongia vaginalis, known as the branching vase sponge is a demosponge.[1]
This species is frequently colonized by Parazoanthus parasiticus, a colonial anemone, and Ophiothrix suensonii, a brittle star.[1] It feeds on plankton and detritus.[1] The color of C. vaginalis is variable, ranging from lavender to brownish-gray to greenish-gray and sometimes light tan.[2]
C. vaginalis usually has a tubular growth pattern, although the magnitude of the current affects its growth form.[1] The long, erect tubes taper slightly and have a wide vent up to 2.5 cm in diameter with a thin wall.[2] The sponge has very elastic tubes that vary in length and can stand singly or with other tubes.[1] The sponge is rough with its irregular pits and nubs covering its surface.[1] The species is found on hard surfaces, usually reef plateaus and deep reef slopes.[1]
It lives in the area of the Caribbean, Florida, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.[1] It grows at a temperature of 20°-24°C.[1]
References
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