Erect Rope Sponge [Smenospongia aurea]
Description
This species is a type of marine sponge that is typically found in the Caribbean and the western Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its rope-like structure, which is made up of a series of cylindrical branches that are tightly packed together. These sponges are usually a yellowish-brown color and can reach up to 1 meter in height. They are filter feeders, drawing in water through their porous bodies to extract nutrients.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Dictyoceratida
Dictyoceratida
|
| Family |
Thorectidae
Thorectidae
|
| Genus |
Smenospongia
Smenospongia
|