Rose Sponge
Scientific name: Dendrilla rosea
Click to enlarge image
Rose Sponge, Dendrilla rosea
Image: Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Dendrilla
- Species
- rosea
- Family
- Darwinellidae
- Order
- Dendroceratida
- Subclass
- Ceractinomorpha
- Class
- Demospongiae
- Phylum
- Porifera
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 40 cm
Introduction
The Rose Sponge is one of the most common sponges in Australia's cool southern waters.
Identification
The Rose Sponge is recognised by its bright pink colouration and ruffled surface.
Habitat
The Rose Sponge lives in oceans and on subtidal rocky reefs.
Distribution
The Rose Sponge is found in waters from South Australia to Sydney.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Rose Sponge grows in finger-like projections from rocks or the seabed. It is also often found encrusting animals that have hard outer shells, such as scallops and large crabs.
