Star Sponge [Erylus formosus]
Description
The Erylus formosus, or Star Sponge, is a marine sponge species found within the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean. It is notable for its star-shaped, dark brown or green structures known as asconoid spicules. This species is often found in deeper, rocky reef environments and is known for its slow growth and long lifespan.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Tetractinellida
Tetractinellida
|
| Family |
Velvet Sponges
Geodiidae
|
| Genus |
Erylus
Erylus
|