Gelliodes fibulata (Thorny stem sponge)
Identification
A cluster of a few stems long (10-20cm), sparsely branched, cylindrical covered with small spiny ‘thorns’. Many small holes unevenly scattered over the surface. Colour blue or greenish blue.
Status
Fairly common.
Habitat
Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam. It grows on or between corals and rubble, in a depth range of 10-33 meters.
Reproduction
–
Size
Up to 25cm. in diameter
Prey / Predation
Sponges are filter feeders, they pump water through and filter out food particles.
Special features
Can be confused for Callyspongia species, those have the same general build but lack the “spicules”.
