Animal Species:Finger Sponge

This sponge is recognised by its hand shape or finger-like projections.

Finger Sponge

Finger Sponge
Dr Isobel Bennett © Australian Museum

Identification

The Finger Sponge's colour varies from dull orange to brown, grey and cream. Its surface is covered in large holes giving it a honeycomb appearance.

Size range

50 cm

Distribution

Finger Sponges are found southwards from Western Australia to the central New South Wales coast.

Habitat

Finger Sponges live in coastal waters and on subtidal rocky reefs.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Sponges are sessile (unable to move around) and they attach themselves to rocks using a 'holdfast'. This is a specialised tissue for clinging onto rocks that looks a little like the roots of a plant. During storms sponges can be dislodged and washed up on beaches where they are commonly found.

Classification

Species:
laminaefavosa
Genus:
Holopsamma
Family:
Microcionidae
Order:
Poecilosclerida
Subclass:
Ceractinomorpha
Class:
Demospongiae
Phylum:
Porifera
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated:

Tags sponges, invertebrates, wildlife of sydney, identification,