Stove-Pipe Sponge [Aplysina archeri]
Description
The Stove-Pipe Sponge (Aplysina archeri) is a species of tube sponge that has long tube-like structures of cylindrical shape. They are often bright purple, blue, or gray, and can grow up to 5 feet tall. The tubes are often tightly packed together, giving the sponge its characteristic 'stove pipe' appearance. They are filter feeders and inhabit coral reefs, and are commonly found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Their unique structure provides habitat for many small marine creatures.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Verongiida
Verongiida
|
| Family |
Stove-Pipe Sponges
Aplysinidae
|
| Genus |
Stove-Pipe Sponge
Aplysina
|