Striped sponge [Pachychalina alcaloidifera]
Description
Pachychalina alcaloidifera, commonly known as the Striped sponge, is a species of marine sponge found in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is notable for its production of bioactive alkaloids, which are believed to act as a chemical defense mechanism against predation. The sponge has a soft texture and is characterized by its distinct vertical striping, with alternating bands of light and dark brown.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Haplosclerida
Haplosclerida
|
| Family |
Yellow sponges
Chalinidae
|
| Genus |
Pachychalina
Pachychalina
|