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Encrusting Myxilla

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

In April 1975, biologist Steven A. Bloom published a study of an unexpected association between sponges and Pacific scallops. The encrusting myxilla benefits from the scallop's ability to swim away from sponge-eating predators. In return, the sponge's covering makes it harder for certain predatory starfish to grip the shell with their tube feet. The study documented reciprocal protection between an attached animal and a mobile animal.

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Habitat of Encrusting Myxilla Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Depth range of Encrusting Myxilla Depth
10-70 m
Biological group of Encrusting Myxilla Group
Ecological role of Encrusting Myxilla Role
Filter feeder

Average size

12 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

A maze of grooves covers the sulphur-yellow cushion of this encrusting sponge (Myxilla incrustans). Thin strands of tissue bridge the gaps between the ridges.

Circular openings, the oscules, scatter across or follow these raised areas. Related Myxilla sponges share a similar appearance and require finer features for species confirmation.

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, in well-flushed water.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The encrusting Myxilla sponge feeds by filtering seawater. Water enters through tiny pores across its surface. Inside, cells called choanocytes keep water moving with their beating flagella and trap bacteria, single-celled algae and fine organic particles. Digestion takes place inside the cells. Filtered water leaves through the oscula, openings visible among the sponge's raised surface features.

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Encrusting Myxilla

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Other species — Sponge

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Same habitat and depth

Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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