Callyspongia plicifera

Azure vase sponge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Haplosclerida
Family: Callyspongiidae
Genus: Callyspongia
Species: C. plicifera
Binomial name
Callyspongia plicifera
(Lamarck, 1814))
Synonyms
  • Patuloscula plicifera
  • Spinosella plicifera
  • Spongia plicifera
  • Spongia scrobiculata

Callyspongia plicifera, the azure vase sponge, is a species of demosponges belonging to the Callyspongiidae family. It is native to The Bahamas where it is found at a depth of 31.5-44.2 m. It was first described in 1814 by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.[1]

Characteristics

the glass spicule skeleton of the Azure Vase Sponge is visible when viewed up close

The azure vase sponge is a vase shaped demosponge that grow up to 27 cm in height and 13.5 cm in diameter. Its outer surface consists of 0.5–1 cm deep rounded pits and grooves while the inner surface is smooth with 1–5 mm scattered openings. The vent at the top is up to 6.5 cm in diameter and has a thin, transparent collar. They are pink to purple in colour and fluoresce light blue.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Callyspongia plicifera". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Azure vase sponge (Callyspongia plicifera)". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 7 January 2016.


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