Yellow Tube Sponge

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

On sunny walls, the Yellow Tube Sponge often forms groups of brilliant yellow tubes. Easy to spot while diving, it continuously filters water and contributes to reef life. When damaged, its colour quickly turns dark brown.

Habitat de Yellow Tube Sponge Habitat
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Profondeur de Yellow Tube Sponge Depth
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Groupe biologique de Yellow Tube Sponge Group
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Rôle écologique de Yellow Tube Sponge Role
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WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Yellow Tube Sponge, most often bright yellow, forms upright structures made up of tubes of varying lengths, each ending in a wide opening called an osculum. Its texture is flexible and slightly elastic. Its colour can change to brown or dark purple when taken out of the water or damaged, because of a chemical reaction on contact with air. Its surface is fine and dotted with tiny pores through which water circulates.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

Aplysina aerophoba grows on rocky substrates, in well-lit areas such as drop-offs, walls and coralligenous areas. It occurs from shallow water down to about forty metres. It favours clear water and can locally form large groups.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

This sponge feeds by filtering water. It captures bacteria, microalgae and organic particles using specialised cells, then expels water through its oscula. This mechanism plays an important role in recycling matter and maintaining water clarity.

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