Tree sponge

The tree sponge (Echinoclathria dichotoma) is a species of demosponge.[1] It is known from the west coast of South Africa to Cape Agulhas. It is endemic to this region.[1]

Tree sponge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Poecilosclerida
Family: Microcionidae
Genus: Echinoclathria
Species:
E. dichotoma
Binomial name
Echinoclathria dichotoma
(Lévi, 1963)
Synonyms
  • Ophlitaspongia dichotoma Lévi, 1963

Description

The tree sponge may grow to 15 cm in height. It is a bright red sponge which grows upright and branches like a tree. The surface texture is smooth and the branch tips are rounded. Its oscula are inconspicuous.[1]

Habitat

This sponge lives on rocky reefs subtidally to 43m.[2]

Ecology

This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.[3]

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References
  1. Samaai, T. and Gibbons, M.J. 2005. Demospongiae taxonomy and biodiversity of the Benguela region on the west coast of South Africa. Afr. Nat. Hist. 1(1):1-96
  2. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008. ISBN 978-0-620-41639-9
  3. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0


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