Tethya aurantium
Species of sponge / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tethya aurantium, also known as the golf ball sponge or orange puffball sponge, is a species of sea sponge belonging to the family Tethyidae.[1] It is spherical in shape, with a warty surface, and grows to about 10 cm in diameter. Oscula are present on the upper surface. The surface has sharp protruding spicules which can cause skin irritation if touched.[2]
Quick Facts Tethya aurantium, Scientific classification ...
Tethya aurantium | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Porifera |
Class: | Demospongiae |
Order: | Tethyida |
Family: | Tethyidae |
Genus: | Tethya |
Species: | T. aurantium |
Binomial name | |
Tethya aurantium (Pallas, 1766) | |
Synonyms | |
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It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and North Eastern Atlantic Ocean,[1] and from southern Namibia round the southern African coast to KwaZulu-Natal, usually on shallow reefs.[2] They are also found from Southeastern Alaska to central Baja California, from low intertidal to 1,460 feet (440 m). [3]
It was first described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1766 as Alcyonium aurantium.[1][4]