Flat leaf sponge explained

The flat leaf sponge (Isodictya grandis) is a species of marine demosponge in the family Isodictyidae.^[1] This sponge is known from the west coast of South Africa to False Bay. It is endemic to this region.^[2]

Description

The flat leaf sponge may grow to 1 cm thick and 20 cm high. It is an erect, thin-bladed sponge, with the blades narrowing to points at the tips. Its texture is smooth but slightly hairy with small oscula on the blade edges. It is orange-red in colour.^[3]

Habitat

This sponge lives on rocky reefs from 15-37m.

Notes and References

1. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Isodictya grandis (Ridley & Dendy, 1886) . www.marinespecies.org . 19 November 2010.
2. 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
3. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008.