Austral Vase Sponge [Homaxinella subdola]
Description
The Austral Vase Sponge is a species native to New Zealand waters where it is found on rocky reefs, especially in shaded or semi-shaded areas. It is characterized by its thick, firm texture and its pale to dark brown coloration. It has a vase-like shape with a large atrium, and can reach up to 20 cm in height. Its surface is covered in small, evenly spaced pores, which it uses to filter feed.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Dendroceratida
Dendroceratida
|
| Family |
Darwin's Sponges
Darwinellidae
|
| Genus |
Homaxinella
Homaxinella
|