Callyspongia (Cladochalina) aculeata, commonly known as the branching vase sponge is a species of sea sponge in the family Callyspongiidae.[1] Poriferans are typically characterized by ostia, pores that filter out plankton, with an osculum as the opening which water leaves through, and choanocytes trap food particles.
This species is frequently colonized by Umimayanthus parasiticus, a colonial anemone, and Ophiothrix suensonii, a brittle star.[1] It feeds on plankton and detritus.[1] The color of C. aculeata is variable, ranging from red to orange, lavender to brownish-gray, greenish-gray, and sometimes light tan.[2]
^ abcErhardt, Harry; Horst Moosleitner; Hans A Baensch; Gero W. Fisher (1997). Baensch Marine Atlas Vol. 2. MERGUS. p. 93. ISBN3-88244-054-6.