Callyspongia vaginalis
Callyspongia vaginalis
''Callyspongia vaginalis'', known as the branching vase sponge is a demosponge.
This species is frequently colonized by ''Parazoanthus parasiticus'', a colonial anenome, and ''Ophiothrix suensonii'', a brittle star. It feeds on plankton and detritus. The color of ''C. vaginalis'' is variable, ranging from lavender to brownish-gray to greenish-gray and sometimes light tan.
''C. vaginalis'' usually has a tubular growth pattern, although the magnitude of the current affects its growth form. The long, erect tubes taper slightly and have a wide vent up to 2.5 cm in diameter with a thin wall. The sponge has very elastic tubes that vary in length and can stand singly or with other tubes. The sponge is rough with its irregular pits and nubs covering its surface. The species is found on hard surfaces, usually reef plateaus and deep reef slopes.
It lives in the area of the Caribbean, Florida, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. It grows at a temperature of 20°-24°C.
This species is frequently colonized by ''Parazoanthus parasiticus'', a colonial anenome, and ''Ophiothrix suensonii'', a brittle star. It feeds on plankton and detritus. The color of ''C. vaginalis'' is variable, ranging from lavender to brownish-gray to greenish-gray and sometimes light tan.
''C. vaginalis'' usually has a tubular growth pattern, although the magnitude of the current affects its growth form. The long, erect tubes taper slightly and have a wide vent up to 2.5 cm in diameter with a thin wall. The sponge has very elastic tubes that vary in length and can stand singly or with other tubes. The sponge is rough with its irregular pits and nubs covering its surface. The species is found on hard surfaces, usually reef plateaus and deep reef slopes.
It lives in the area of the Caribbean, Florida, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. It grows at a temperature of 20°-24°C.
