Coral Reef Sponge [Vosmaeria coralliphaga]
Description
Vosmaeria coralliphaga, or the Coral Reef Sponge, is a species of sponge found in tropical coral reef ecosystems. This sponge is often brightly colored, with hues ranging from orange to red. It has a unique ability to grow over and consume live coral, hence the species name 'coralliphaga', which means 'coral eater'. It is a key species in many coral reef ecosystems, playing a role in both habitat structure and nutrient cycling.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Calcarea
Calcarea
|
| Order |
Calcaronea
Order Calcaronea
|
| Family |
Amphoriscidae
Amphoriscidae
|
| Genus |
Vosmaeria
Vosmaeria
|