Hong Kong Corals & the Associated Marine Life
|
Hong Kong Corals & the Associated Marine Life
Phylum Porifera - Sponges
Clathrina sponges have spicules made only of calcium carbonate and they grow to less than 10 cm high. Around 500 species of Clathrina have been described and they are more common in temperate than tropical waters.
This common green sponge displays an algal-like shape because the algae, Ceratodictyon spongiosum is embedded in the body of the sponge and the algal branches are woven into a tight mass by the sponge spicules. This species is often found in shallow waters in order to acquire sunlight for photosynthesis.
Tethya are also known as "golf-ball sponges". They inhabit deep rocky area where gorgonians and other non-reef-building corals are commonly found.
|
| Back | Back to Top |