Mexican Cloud Sponge [Aphrocallistes mexicana]
Description
The Aphrocallistes mexicana, also known as the Mexican Cloud Sponge, is a glass sponge species native to the Gulf of Mexico. Similar to other species in the Aphrocallistes genus, it has a porous body which serves to channel water for feeding, respiration, and waste removal. It's distinguished by its irregular, cloud-like shape. The Mexican Cloud Sponge is typically off-white in color, with a fragile body structure composed of silica spicules.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexactinellida
Hexactinellida
|
| Order |
Hexactinosida
Hexactinosida
|
| Family |
Cloud Sponges
Aphrocallistidae
|
| Genus |
Aphrocallistes
Aphrocallistes
|