Azure vase sponge (Callyspongia plicifera)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Callyspongia plicifera
- Common name
- Azure vase sponge
- Category
- Sponges
- Family
- Callyspongiidae
- Genus
- Callyspongia
- Size
- 30–50 cm
- Depth
- 8–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Callyspongia plicifera reaches 50 cm. Caribbean sponge (Callyspongiidae) with distinctive vase or tube body fluorescent azure-blue to purple-blue, walls with complex folds and reliefs, large terminal osculum. Lives from 8 to 40 m on Caribbean coral reefs and drop-offs, Florida to Brazil. Filter feeder. Caribbean trophy dive photo subject for its unique electric blue color, particularly spectacular under flash. Sought-after encounter by macro divers.
Photo of Azure vase sponge
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Azure vase sponge?
- Azure vase sponge (Callyspongia plicifera) reaches 30–50 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Azure vase sponge?
- Azure vase sponge is found between 8–40 m deep.
- Is the Azure vase sponge dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Azure vase sponge?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Azure vase sponge?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Callyspongia
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 247856)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2245973)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia