How big is the Yellow tube sponge?

Yellow tube sponge (Aplysina aerophoba) reaches 10–50 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Yellow tube sponge?

Yellow tube sponge is found between 1–160 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Yellow tube sponge?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Yellow tube sponge?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Yellow tube sponge (Aplysina aerophoba)

Key facts

Scientific name: Aplysina aerophoba
Common name: Yellow tube sponge
Category: Sponges
Family: Aplysinidae
Genus: Aplysina
Size: 10–50 cm
Depth: 1–160 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, reef
Behaviours: sessile, filter-feeder
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Aplysina aerophoba forms vivid-yellow colonies of vertical cylindrical tubes 10 to 50 cm tall. Turns black on air contact (hence aerophoba). Very common on Mediterranean drop-offs and coralligenous bottoms between 1 and 160 m. Contains chemical compounds studied for antibacterial and anticancer properties. A spectacular color subject for photography.

Photo of Yellow tube sponge

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Yellow tube sponge?: Yellow tube sponge (Aplysina aerophoba) reaches 10–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Yellow tube sponge?: Yellow tube sponge is found between 1–160 m deep.
Is the Yellow tube sponge dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Yellow tube sponge?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Yellow tube sponge?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Aplysina

Other species in the family Aplysinidae

Verongula reiswigi - Reiswig's giant tube sponge

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 133911)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2239334)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia