Giant Barrel Sponge [Xestospongia muta]
Description
Also known as the Giant Barrel Sponge, Xestospongia muta is one of the largest species of sponge found in the Caribbean. It has a brownish-red color and is shaped like a barrel. It has a rough, hard exterior, and a wide opening on top, often used by other marine species as a habitat. It is a filter feeder, removing bacteria and other microscopic particles from the water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Haplosclerida
Haplosclerida
|
| Family |
Yellow sponges
Chalinidae
|
| Genus |
Xestospongia
Xestospongia
|