Yellow Tube Sponge

Soorten

Huidige artikelen | Archieven | Zoek

Yellow Tube Sponge

Aplysina fistularis

(Pallas, 1766)

St. Eustatius, Stenapa Reef, 8-06-2015 (source: Marion Haarsma)

Code

169648

Summary

Soft-walled tubes, usually in clusters joined at the base. Length of tubes up to 120 cm. In deeper water, the tubes tend to become longer than at shallow places. The surface is finely convoluted but does not show the deep and meandering grooves of Convoluted barrel sponge.

To be confused with

- Convoluted Barrel Sponge, Aplysina lacunosa.
- Branching Vase Sponge, Callyspongia vaginalis.

Characteristics

Size: 30 to 60 cm, max 120 cm.
Color: Yellow, orange to brownish. In natural light, especially in deeper water, they appear to be yellow-green.
Shape: Soft-walled tubes, usually in clusters joined at the base.
Consistency: Tough.

Habitat environment and ecology

Tropical reef. Inhabit reefs in open water areas and often grows on vertical walls.

Author

(Marion Haarsma)

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.