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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Encrusting Myxilla

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Often observed as a yellow-orange film closely following the contours of rocks, the Encrusting Myxilla is typical of areas rich in attached life. Its permanent filtration activity contributes to recycling matter and maintaining water quality.

Habitat de Encrusting Myxilla Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Encrusting Myxilla Depth
10-70 m
Groupe biologique de Encrusting Myxilla Group
Sponge
Rôle écologique de Encrusting Myxilla Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sponge forms a thin to thick, irregular crust that spreads over the substrate. Its colour ranges from yellow to orange, sometimes with darker shades. Its surface is slightly granular and pierced by numerous small openings through which water circulates. It is flexible but fragile and closely follows the contours of the surfaces it colonises.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It occurs on hard substrates such as rocks, coralligenous structures or artificial substrates such as wrecks. It generally lives in areas with reduced light, at shallow to medium depths, and favours well-flushed water.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all sponges, it feeds by filtration. Water passes through its body through small pores, allowing microscopic particles such as bacteria and organic matter to be captured. Water is then expelled through larger openings called oscula. This mechanism contributes to recycling matter in the marine environment.

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