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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Kidney Sponge

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

Beneath an overhang or at a cave entrance, the Kidney Sponge appears as a beige to greyish-brown mass with rounded outlines. Its remarkable flexibility immediately distinguishes it from other sponges. By constantly filtering water, it quietly contributes to the quality of rocky ecosystems.

Habitat de Kidney Sponge Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Kidney Sponge Depth
1-35 m
Groupe biologique de Kidney Sponge Group
Sponge
Rôle écologique de Kidney Sponge Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sponge has an irregular shape, often rounded or lobed, sometimes resembling a kidney, which explains its name. Its colour ranges from pale beige to greyish brown depending on environmental conditions. Its surface is smooth, flexible and fleshy, with a slightly gelatinous appearance when well hydrated. It has no visible rigid structure and can closely follow the contours of the substrate.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly occurs on rocky substrates, in shaded areas such as overhangs, crevices or cave entrances. It can also be observed on mixed or detrital bottoms when a hard support is available. It occurs at shallow to medium depths.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all sponges, it feeds by filtration. Water passes through its body through numerous pores, 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

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Same habitat and depth

Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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