Red Mountain Sponge [Spongia montis rubrum]
Description
The Red Mountain Sponge (Spongia montis rubrum) stands out due to its bright red coloration, a result of unique pigments in its body. It is found in deeper waters and is slightly smaller than the common Mountain Sponge, typically growing up to 0.8 meters. Despite its striking color, it shares the same filter feeding behavior as other Mountain Sponges.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexactinellida
Hexactinellida
|
| Order |
Hexactinosida
Hexactinosida
|
| Family |
Glass Rope Sponges
Hyalonematidae
|
| Genus |
Mountain Sponges
Lophocalyx
|