Reiswig's giant tube sponge (Verongula reiswigi)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Verongula reiswigi
- Common name
- Reiswig's giant tube sponge
- Category
- Sponges
- Family
- Aplysinidae
- Genus
- Verongula
- Size
- 30–150 cm
- Depth
- 15–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Verongula reiswigi reaches 1.5 m height. Large Caribbean sponge (Aplysinidae) with body in massive tubes or crater shape yellow-orange to yellow-brown with textured surface and large apical oscula. Lives from 15 to 60 m on deep Caribbean coral drop-offs (Bahamas, Cuba, Bonaire, Belize). Giant filter feeder. Rarer and deeper than classic Aplysina. Deep Caribbean reef dive photo subject, massive impressive landscape. Still poorly known scientifically.
Photo of Reiswig's giant tube sponge
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Reiswig's giant tube sponge?
- Reiswig's giant tube sponge (Verongula reiswigi) reaches 30–150 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Reiswig's giant tube sponge?
- Reiswig's giant tube sponge is found between 15–60 m deep.
- Is the Reiswig's giant tube sponge dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Reiswig's giant tube sponge?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Reiswig's giant tube sponge?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Aplysinidae
- Aplysina fulva - Yellow-brown rope sponge
- Aplysina cauliformis - Row pore rope sponge
- Aplysina archeri - Stove-pipe sponge
- Aplysina aerophoba - Yellow tube sponge
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 169674)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2239241)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia