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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Fetid Sponge

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

On drop-offs and rocky formations, the Fetid Sponge appears as a brown mass with irregular outlines. Its elastic texture and numerous oscula reveal intense filtration activity, contributing to organic matter recycling.

Habitat de Fetid Sponge Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Fetid Sponge Depth
1-60 m
Groupe biologique de Fetid Sponge Group
Sponge
Rôle écologique de Fetid Sponge Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sponge forms irregular, often substantial masses with a lobed or globular appearance. Its colour ranges from dark brown to lighter brown depending on observation conditions. Its surface has raised areas and small openings through which water is expelled. Its texture is firm, fibrous and elastic, typical of keratose sponges. It can give off a strong smell when handled or exposed out of the water.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It occurs on rocky substrates but also on softer bottoms when a hard support is available. It is observed in areas with moderate to strong currents, particularly on drop-offs, in coralligenous areas and on detrital bottoms.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all sponges, it feeds by filtration. Water circulates through its body, allowing very small 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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Same habitat and depth

Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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