Harp Sponge

This newly-discovered carnivorous sponge (Chondrocladia lyra) was found using robotic submersibles operated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 10,000 feet below the surface in dark waters. It traps small crustacean prey with barbed hooks found along its branch-like limbs. Once it has caught something, the sponge covers it with a thin membrane and the digestion process begins.

<p>How Many Nights of Hanukkah? A harp has its own place in holiday music, but we also think this sponge looks like a super-sized menorah! This <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3tAtXdaik&amp;feature=player_embedded">newly-discovered carnivorous sponge</a></strong> (<em>Chondrocladia lyra)&nbsp;</em>was found using robotic submersibles operated by the <strong><a href="http://www.mbari.org/">Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute</a>&nbsp;</strong>10,000 feet below the surface in dark waters. It traps small crustacean prey with barbed hooks found along its branch-like limbs. Once it has caught something, the sponge covers it with a thin membrane and the digestion process begins.</p>
Copyright © 2005 MBARI

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