Chondrocladia lyra: The deep sea harp sponge

selim12 April 16, 2024 0 Comments

Chondrocladia lyra La also known as the liar sponge or harp sponge is a species of carnivorous deep-sea sponge first discovered by Welton L. Lee, Henry M Reiswig, William C. Austin, and Lonny Lundsten from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

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Chondrocladia lyra Habitat:

They were discovered off the Californian Coast living at depths of 3,300–3,500 meters thriving near hydrothermal vents.

Description and Shape:

The name comes from the basic structure which resembles a lyre. The vertical branches of the harp sponge are supported by filaments and terminals. The largest recorded species is 60 cm in length. It has also spines helping to snare prey passing by the currents.

Chondrocladia lyra Diet:

sponges are suspension feeders filtering bacteria and microscopic organisms from the surrounding water.

Behavior and Lifespan:

The Chondrocladia Lyra is a type of deep-sea sponge that is almost inactive. They stay attached to the seafloor and sea slopes during their lifetime using root-like rhizoids.

Reproduction:

The vertical branches of the harp sponge are supported by filaments and terminals. The sperm of force are released by the terminal balls. The harp sponge possesses a unique ability to capture sperm, thanks to its specially adapted stolons. These stolons are widened and covered with an intricate network of filaments, which are highly effective at snaring spermatophores. Once the filaments have captured the spermatophores, they fuse with the recipient tissues, triggering a noticeable swelling in the surrounding tissues. This distinctive reaction serves as clear evidence of successful fertilization.

Conservation Status:

The harp sponge possesses a unique ability to capture sperm, thanks to its specially adapted stolons. These stolons are widened and covered with an intricate network of filaments, which are highly effective at snaring spermatophores. Once the filaments have captured the spermatophores, they fuse with the recipient tissues, triggering a noticeable swelling in the surrounding tissues. This distinctive reaction serves as clear evidence of successful fertilization.