Johnston's Sponge [Pachymatisma johnstonia]
Description
Johnston's Sponge, scientifically named Pachymatisma johnstonia, is a species of marine sponge that is typically found in the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the waters around the British Isles. This species is characterized by its large, flat shape and rough, stone-like texture. It is usually a deep red or brown color, and can grow up to 60 cm in diameter. It can generally be found in shallow waters, attached to hard substrates like rocks or the seafloor. Notably, it has a very slow growth rate and may live for several hundred years.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Tetractinellida
Tetractinellida
|
| Family |
Velvet Sponges
Geodiidae
|
| Genus |
Pachymatisma
Pachymatisma
|