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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Pencil Sponge

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

Inconspicuous on maerl beds or shelly sand, the Pencil Sponge appears as a little tuft of yellowish fingers. Its bundled structure provides shelter for varied microfauna while its filtration activity contributes to water quality.

Habitat de Pencil Sponge Habitat
Detrital bottom, Maerl, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Pencil Sponge Depth
5-60 m
Groupe biologique de Pencil Sponge Group
Sponge
Rôle écologique de Pencil Sponge Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sponge has an upright shape formed by many closely packed small columns or extensions, giving it a tufted or paintbrush-like appearance. Its colour ranges from pale yellow to yellowish brown depending on conditions. Its surface is slightly translucent and sometimes hints at its internal structure. Its consistency is flexible but firm, and its branches are fragile.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It occurs on stable soft bottoms such as shelly sand or maerl beds, as well as detrital substrates. It favours areas exposed to moderate currents that promote the supply of food particles.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

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

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Other species — Sponge

Yellow Axinella Lumpy Suberite Sponge Nicaea Cup Sponge Yellow Cave Sponge Pink Chimney Sponge Yellow Tube Sponge Fetid Sponge Encrusting Myxilla

Same habitat and depth

Detrital seabed species Maerl bed species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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