Tree sponge

The tree sponge is a species of demosponge. It is known from the west coast of South Africa to Cape Agulhas. It is endemic to this region.

Description

The tree sponge may grow to in height. It is a bright red to dirty orange sponge which grows upright and branches like a tree. The surface texture is smooth and the branch tips are rounded. Its oscula are small (< and inconspicuous. The surface may be covered in a slimy mucus.

Distribution and habitat

This sponge is found on the south and west coasts of South Africa where it lives on rocky reefs subtidally to.

Ecology

This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.