Sunday, February 22, 2015

Peering inside vase sponges

The azure vase sponge is a striking structure on the reef.  They grow up to about 18 inches. Great colors, textures, and shapes.  But an amazing array of animals occupy the inside of these sponges.  I've been peering into almost every vase sponge that I encounter.  Here is a sample of what I have found.

The photos below were taken at depths of 35 to 60 feet.

Graysby
Gobies that clean (yellowline?)
Lionfish
Yellowline arrow crab
Stareye hermit crab
Red reef hermit crab
Brittle stars






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