Branching vase sponge (Callyspongia vaginalis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Callyspongia vaginalis
- Common name
- Branching vase sponge
- Category
- Sponges
- Family
- Callyspongiidae
- Genus
- Callyspongia
- Size
- 30–100 cm
- Depth
- 3–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Callyspongia vaginalis reaches 1 m. Caribbean sponge (Callyspongiidae) with large branching erect tubes purple-gray to pink-gray, relatively thin walls, surface with characteristic reticulate pattern, large terminal oscula. Lives from 3 to 40 m on Caribbean coral reefs. Filter feeder. Regularly hosts cleaner shrimp (Periclimenes) and small fish. Common and photogenic dive photo subject, typical Caribbean reef silhouette.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Branching vase sponge?
- Branching vase sponge (Callyspongia vaginalis) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Branching vase sponge?
- Branching vase sponge is found between 3–40 m deep.
- Is the Branching vase sponge dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Branching vase sponge?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Branching vase sponge?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Callyspongia
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 247858)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2246089)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia