Tree sponge
| tree sponge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Porifera |
| Class: | Demospongiae |
| Order: | Poecilosclerida |
| Suborder: | Microcionina |
| Family: | Microcionidae |
| Subfamily: | Ophlitaspongiinae |
| Genus: | Echinoclathria |
| Species: | E. dichotoma |
| Binomial name | |
| Echinoclathria dichotoma (Lévi, 1963) | |
The tree sponge, Echinoclathria dichotoma, is a species of demosponge.[1] It is known from the west coast of South Africa to Cape Agulhas. It is endemic to this region.[1]
Description
The tree sponge may grow to 15 cm in height. It is a bright red sponge which grows upright and branches like a tree. The surface texture is smooth and the branch tips are rounded. Its oscula are inconspicuous.[1]
Habitat
This sponge lives on rocky reefs subtidally to 43m.[2]
Ecology
This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 Samaai, T. and Gibbons, M.J. 2005. Demospongiae taxonomy and biodiversity of the Benguela region on the west coast of South Africa. Afr. Nat. Hist. 1(1):1-96
- ↑ Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008. ISBN 978-0-620-41639-9
- ↑ Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
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