Ascandra [Ascandra]

Description

Ascandra is a genus within the Leucosoleniidae family, known for its calcareous sponges which exhibit a branching, tree-like form or can be encrusting. These sponges possess a skeleton composed of calcium carbonate spicules that are usually needle-like and form a loose network. Ascandra species are distributed across various marine habitats, including rocky substrates and coral reefs in both shallow and deeper waters. They play a role in the marine ecosystem as filter feeders, capturing small organisms and organic particles from the water column.

Species

White Sea ascidian [Ascandra challengeri]

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Tropical ascidian [Ascandra pratti]

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Pacific ascidian [Ascandra pacifica]

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Taxonomy