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.
Photo of Branching vase sponge
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