Caribbean orange sponge [Oxymycale acerata]
Description
Oxymycale acerata, commonly known as the Caribbean orange sponge, is a species of marine sponge found in the Caribbean Sea. This species prefers to inhabit coral reefs and mangrove forests where the water is clear and clean. It has a bright orange color and is known for its conspicuous growth form, often appearing as large, rounded masses with numerous oscules on the surface. It is a filter feeder, extracting plankton and organic particles from the water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Poecilosclerida
Poecilosclerida
|
| Family |
Mycalidae
Mycalidae
|
| Genus |
Oxymycale
Oxymycale
|