Ianthella basta
Species of sponge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ianthella basta is a species of fan-shaped sea sponge in the class Demospongiae.[1] It is also known as the elephant ear sponge,[2] paper sponge, or scroll sponge.[3]
| Ianthella basta | |
|---|---|
| |
| Elephant ear sponge | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Porifera |
| Class: | Demospongiae |
| Order: | Verongiida |
| Family: | Ianthellidae |
| Genus: | Ianthella |
| Species: | I. basta |
| Binomial name | |
| Ianthella basta (Pallas, 1766) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
List
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A sponge measuring 1.7 m in height and 9.5 m circumference has been estimated to be about 8 years old.[2]
Distribution
The elephant ear sponge is found in the Indo-Pacific region.[4][3] It is found on coral reefs in areas with rapid water flows.[3]
Ianthella basta are introduced species they do not tend to invade other species territories and are noncompetitive. [5]
Ecology
The sea cucumber (Synaptula lamperti) is closely associated with the sponge and makes use of certain nutrients exuded by it.[6]
Research is being undertaken on various metabolites and other biologically active constituents that are synthesized by the sponge.[7][8]
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