The Orange Prickly-Sponge, scientifically known as Acanthella acuta, is a captivating marine sponge species with a vibrant orange hue and a textured surface that resembles a prickly exterior. This species is an intriguing component of the diverse marine ecosystem, contributing to the complex web of life in the underwater world.
Description & Characteristics
The Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta) is easily recognized by its bright orange coloration. It has a characteristically rough, prickly surface that contributes to its distinctive appearance. This sponge can attain a considerable size, reaching a maximum length of about 10 centimeters. The species’ texture is further enhanced by its tough, firm consistency, which makes it stand out in the marine environment.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta) primarily inhabits the benthic zone, which is the ocean floor, particularly within the deeper regions known as the bathyal and abyssal zones. These marine zones extend from the continental slope, which is the transition area between the continental shelf and the ocean floor, to the deep ocean floor. The species can be found at depths ranging from 200 to 4,000 meters, demonstrating its adaptability to various depths within the marine environment. This distribution makes the Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta) a common inhabitant of these underwater realms, contributing to the richness and diversity of the deep-sea ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta) is scientifically classified within the phylum Porifera, which encompasses all sponges. It belongs to the Class: Demospongiae, which is one of the largest classes within the Porifera phylum, encompassing a diverse array of sponges. The species is further classified within the Order: Bubarida, a group characterized by its distinctive morphology and ecology. Finally, it is categorized within the Family: Dictyonellidae, a family known for its specialized feeding mechanisms and intricate structures.
Feeding
The Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta) obtains its nourishment through a process known as filter feeding. It relies on the constant flow of water through its body to capture and consume microscopic organisms, such as plankton, which are abundant in the marine environment. These plankton constitute the primary source of food for the Orange Prickly-Sponge (Acanthella acuta), contributing to its survival and ecological role within the marine ecosystem.
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