Ocean JunkiesOcean Junkies
  • ABOUT US
  • ACTIVITIES
  • COURSES
  • REVIEWS
  • GALLERY
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

Harp Sponge – The venus fly trap of the ocean

May 7, 2016Firas Ahmed

Here’s a quick reminder as to why the ocean is everyone’s favourite place to explore. Chondrocladia lyra or harp sponge live at the depth of 10,879 feet to 11,152 feet. Some interesting facts about this beautiful sponge include their ability of grounding and fixing themselves in a single place using a root like structure, the globules found at the top of their branches that are filled with spermatophores used in reproduction and of course the fact that these harmless looking beautiful sponges are actually carnivorous!

The harp sponge captures their prey, such as copepods and other crustaceans, with the velcro-like hooks on their external body surfaces. Once the hooks have ensnared the sponge’s prey, it secretes a digestive membrane that surrounds and engulfs the captured prey, breaking it down until the sponge can absorb it through its pores. Terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

The harp sponge was only discovered in 2012 and seeing as how we’ve only been able to explore less than 5% of the ocean imagine what other hidden treasures live under the sea.

Previous post Scuba Pets: The amazing adventures of Mutley & Hawkeye Next post Happy Mother’s Day!

Recent Posts

  • Becoming a certified diver – From the point of a scuba noob
  • For some a sport – For others a way of life
  • Diving myths: Part II
  • Diving myths: Is it really as dangerous as people make it out to be?
  • I want to drink your..plankton?

Calendar

January 2023
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Oct    

Search

Categories

  • Environmental Issues
  • Featured Divers
  • Fish Facts
  • Fun Facts
  • History
  • Photography
  • Special Occasions
  • Uncategorized