Purple Vase Sponge [Smenospongia purpurea]
Description
Smenospongia purpurea, commonly known as the purple vase sponge, is a species of sea sponge in the family Thorectidae. It is typically found in the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean. The purple vase sponge is named for its distinctive shape and color - the sponge is typically vase-shaped, with a beautiful deep purple color. Its texture is rough and hard, and it is a filter feeder, extracting nutrients from the water column.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Dendroceratida
Dendroceratida
|
| Family |
Thorectidae
Thorectidae
|
| Genus |
Smenospongia
Smenospongia
|