Cherry Blossom Rope Sponge [Smenospongia rosacea]
Description
The Cherry Blossom Rope Sponge is a species of marine sponge found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is named for its pinkish hue and rope-like structure. These sponges have a sturdy skeleton made of spongin and silica spicules, providing them with rigidity. They are filter feeders and contribute significantly to nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Dictyoceratida
Dictyoceratida
|
| Family |
Thorectidae
Thorectidae
|
| Genus |
Smenospongia
Smenospongia
|