PURPLE TUBE SPONGE
: Aplysina lacunosa
3 to 5 feet long, some considerably
larger. Large clusters with 10 or more tubes can be more than
6 feet across. Outer surface covered with wart-like bumps. They
are typically found from depths of 40-80 feet deep, protruding from
the coral wall face. The Tube Sponge is one of the most common varieties
of sponge to be found on the reef. It is distinguished by its long
tube-shaped growths, and ranges in color from purple to blue, gray,
and gray-green. Filtered water is ejected through the large openings
on the ends. This is one of the few reef invertebrates that is blue
in color.. |
