Yellow sponges [Chalinidae]

Description

Chalinidae, commonly known as yellow sponges, are a family of marine sponges found in a variety of ocean habitats. They are characterized by their yellow to orange coloration and a firm, yet compressible texture. Members of this family exhibit a wide range of sizes and shapes, from encrusting forms that cover surfaces like a thin layer to massive, lobate, or branching forms. Chalinidae sponges are filter feeders, using their porous bodies to filter out plankton and organic particles from the water. They play a critical role in marine ecosystems by contributing to the cycling of nutrients and providing habitat for a variety of marine organisms.