Coe. 34 Para spongodes(Neptune’s Cup Sponge)

 

Phylum: Porifera

Class: Demospongiae

Order: Astrophorida

Family: Clionaidae

Genus: Para

Species: Para spongodes

Description

Neptune's Cup Sponge (Para spongodes) is a unique and visually striking marine sponge known for its large, cup-shaped structure. These sponges are typically found in deep-sea environments, attached to hard substrates like coral reefs or rocky surfaces. They are characterized by their impressive size, with some specimens growing up to 50 centimeters or more in height.

The outer surface of Neptune's Cup Sponge is covered in small, finger-like projections, giving it a textured appearance. The interior of the sponge contains a cavity or cup shape, which serves as a habitat for various marine organisms, including small fish and invertebrates.

These sponges are filter feeders, drawing in and filtering plankton and other tiny particles from the surrounding water using specialized cells called choanocytes. Neptune's Cup Sponges are considered ecologically important as they provide shelter and habitat for a variety of marine creatures in deep-sea ecosystems. Their distinctive appearance also makes them a subject of interest for marine biologists and underwater photographers.

IUCN Status: Not evaluated