At (4 to 5 centimetres (1.6 to 2.0 in)) long, Spiculosiphon oceana is the largest foraminifera found in the Mediterranean. The species creates a test (shell) made out of sponge spicules, "gluing" them together with a protein it secretes, much like sponges do.[1] The spicules it uses are carefully selected and laid parallel to the main stalk of the creature.[2] Because of its large size and its appearance, S. oceana was originally mistaken as a multi-cellular animal from the sponge family.[1]
Spiculosiphon oceana lives on the sea floor. It lies in wait and extends its pseudopods outside its shell to capture prey, primarily plankton, that get trapped on the spicules of its shell.[3] Thus, it captures prey much in the same way as carnivorous sponges. In addition to the visual and lifestyle similarities of S. oceana and sponges, the creatures live in similar habitats. Thus, it is likely a case on convergent evolution dictated by the environmental constraints.[2]
In May 2014, The International Institute for Species Exploration selected S. oceana as one of the Top 10 New Species of the previous year.[3]
