Chelonaplysilla americana is a species of marine sponge belonging to the family Darwinellidae. This sponge is a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of the eastern United States, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Description and Characteristics
Chelonaplysilla americana exhibits a distinctive morphology. It is characterized by a massive, irregularly shaped body, typically ranging in size from a few centimeters to over a foot in diameter. Its surface is often covered with a network of ridges and grooves, giving it a textured appearance. The sponge’s color can vary from pale yellow to brown, depending on its location and environmental conditions. The internal structure of Chelonaplysilla americana is composed of a complex network of spicules, which are microscopic, needle-like structures that provide support and rigidity.
Habitat and Occurrence
Chelonaplysilla americana is found in a variety of marine habitats, ranging from shallow intertidal zones to deeper subtidal regions. This sponge prefers rocky substrates and can often be found attached to coral reefs, oyster shells, and other hard surfaces. Its distribution extends from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, where it is particularly abundant, to the Atlantic coast of North America, including the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Chelonaplysilla americana is typically found in the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Chelonaplysilla americana belongs to the Class: Demospongiae, Order: Dendroceratida, and Family: Darwinellidae. The Demospongiae are the most diverse class of sponges, characterized by their siliceous spicules and a complex internal structure. The Dendroceratida order includes sponges that possess spicules with a distinctive branching pattern. The family Darwinellidae encompasses a diverse group of sponges that exhibit a variety of forms and ecological roles.
Feeding
Chelonaplysilla americana, like all sponges, is a filter feeder. It obtains its nutrition by drawing in water through a series of pores on its surface. As water passes through the sponge’s internal chambers, microscopic food particles, such as bacteria, algae, and organic debris, are trapped by specialized cells called choanocytes. These cells are lined with flagella, which create a current that draws water through the sponge. Once the food particles are trapped, they are digested and absorbed by the sponge’s cells.
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