|
|
Orange elephant ear sponge
Agelas clathrodes
(Schmidt, 1870)
Code
Summary
Tropical water. Massive orange rubbery sponge. Lives on reefs usually
more than 10 metres (33 ft) depth. Takes various forms, and its color is
reddish orange.
To be confused with
- Citron sponge Agelas citrina. (Citron sponge has rounded openings.)
Characteristics
Size: Large, up to 2m wide.
Colour: Vary from yellow, through orange to brick red or brown.
Shape: Very variable in form. It may be encrusting, developing a thickness up to 10 cm (4 in) thick or have large, flabby lobes or be fan-, tube- or ridge-shaped. Openings are longitudinal or keyhole-shaped.
Consistency: Firm.
Habitat environment and ecology
Inhabits coral reefs. It is found on reefs and reef slopes and on
vertical rock surfaces, particularly where the current is strong, and
usually at depths greater than 10 metres (33 ft). It is a filter feeder.
Distribution range
BES-eilanden: Bonaire, St. Eustatius.
Author
[Marion Haarsma, feb. 2016]; [Floris Bennema, april 2016]
Literature
- Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2002). Reef Creature Identification:
Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (p. 420). Jacksonville (FL): New World
Publications.
- Interactive Guide to Caribbean Diving. M. De Kluijver, G. Gijswijt, R. de Leon & I. da Cunda.
- The Sponge Guide. S. Zea, Henkel, T.P., and Pawlik, J.R. 2014.
Categorieën:
Soorten,
Sponzen
Commentaar
Grafieken