Scattered Pore Rope Sponge
| Name: | Scattered Pore Rope Sponge |
| Scientific Name: | Aplysina fulva |
| Family: | Rope Sponges |
| Taxonomic: | Aplysinidae |
| ID Group: | Sponges, Bryozoans, Tunicates |
| Size: | up to 10 ft. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Sponge grows long, thin vertical branches that look like ropes. Its color can be dark orange, brown, or purple. Small openings (pores) are spread randomly along its sides and all over its surface. The sponge has a rough and uneven look, and it forms large, bushy clusters on reef walls and slopes.
The Scattered Pore Rope Sponge grows on reef walls and slopes from shallow areas down to deep water. It filters water through small pores to feed, and its internal bacterial community is rich and unique, helping to produce food.