Elephant Ear Sponge [Fasciospongia cavernosa]
Description
Fasciospongia cavernosa, commonly known as the Elephant Ear Sponge, is a marine species that belongs to the Demospongiae class. This species is characterized by its large, flat, ear-like shape and its rough and porous surface texture. It is generally a brown or beige color. The Elephant Ear Sponge is primarily found in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. This species is known to be a filter feeder, consuming small bacteria and plankton from the water column.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Dictyoceratida
Dictyoceratida
|
| Family |
Thorectidae
Thorectidae
|
| Genus |
Fasciospongia
Fasciospongia
|