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Azure vase sponge
Callyspongia (Cladochalina) plicifera
(Lamarck, 1814)
St. Eustatius, The Blocks, 14-06-2015 (Source: Marion Haarsma)
Code
Name
Azure vase sponge
Summary
Pink to purple vase sponge, with the outer surface provided with an elaborate system of meandering grooves and rounded depressions.
To be confused with
Pink vase sponge, Niphates digitalis, but that species has a spiny surface.
Characteristics
Size: Vases up to 27 cm in height, 13.5 cm in diameter; vents up to 6.5 cm in diameter. Pits and grooves 0.5-1 cm in depth, 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter.
Pink to purple and fluoresces light blue.
Shape: Vase-shaped or tubaeform with the outer surface characteristically provided with an elaborate system of meandering grooves and/or rounded pits. Terminal vent somewhat constricted, with a transparent, thin collar. Vases mostly solitary, but occasionally there are small side-tubes. Inner walls smooth, somewhat ridged lengthwise, with scattered oscules, 1-5 mm in diameter.
Cosistency: Spongy.
Habitat environment and ecology
Inhabit coral reefs, most commonly on walls. Often associated with Sponge brittle stars (Ophiothrix suensonii).
Distribution range
BES-eilanden: Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius
Author
Floris Bennema, feb, 2016
Literature
- Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2002). Reef Creature Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (p. 420). Jacksonville (FL): New World Publications.
- Interactive Guide to Caribbean Diving. M. De Kluijver, G. Gijswijt, R. de Leon & I. da Cunda.
- The Sponge Guide. S. Zea, Henkel, T.P., and Pawlik, J.R. 2014.
Categorieën:
Soorten,
Sponzen
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