Tree sponge explained

The tree sponge (Echinoclathria dichotoma) is a species of demosponge.^[1] 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 150mm in height. It is a bright red to dirty orange sponge which grows upright and branches like a tree.^[2] The surface texture is smooth and the branch tips are rounded. Its oscula are small (<1mm 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 69m (226feet).^[3]

Ecology

This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.^[4]

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. Book: Atkinson, Lara J. Field guide to the offshore marine invertebrates of South Africa. Sink. Kerry J. 2018. South African Environmental Observation Network. 978-1-86868-098-6. Pretoria. 1037159161.
3. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008.
4. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa