Xestospongia testudinaria

(Lamarck, 1815)

Vernacular names
English : Barrel sponge
French : Eponge-barrique

Classification
Class : Demospongiae
Order : Haplosclerida
Family : Petrosiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Large sponge reaching a diameter of 20 cm and a height of at least 20 cm. Barrel-shaped species with large opening on top. Walls are carved with prominent ridges and cracks. Pinkish grey to brown body with clear opening edges.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area from western Indian Ocean to Philippines, Indonesia, northern Australia and New Caledonia. Lives in coral reefs and rocky areas, with hard bottom.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status hasn’t been assessed. The species occurs in areas where coral reefs are threatened by overexploitation and climate change.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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