Clathria dayi explained

Clathria dayi, the broad-bladed tree sponge, is a species of demosponge.^[1] It is known from the west coast of South Africa and around Cape Point to False Bay. It is probably endemic to this region.

Description

The broad-bladed tree sponge may grow to 20 cm in height and be 2–4 cm thick. It is a massive erect sponge, having broad flat blades extending from a small stalk. It has a slightly hairy texture, but is smooth in appearance. It is bright red in colour.^[2]

Habitat

This sponge lives on rocky reefs in 15-272m of water.

Notes and References

1. Samaai, T. and Gibbons, M.J. 2005. Demospongiae taxonomy and biodiversity of the Benguela region on the west coast of South Africa. Afr. Nat. Hist. 1(1):1-96
2. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008.