Soft-bodied Vulcanella [Vulcanella mollis]
Description
Vulcanella mollis, or Soft-bodied Vulcanella, is a species of deep-sea sponge that resides in the Atlantic Ocean. It is found at depths ranging from 500 to 1500 meters. Unlike its relative, Vulcanella isis, this species has a soft and pliable body. It is usually dark brown in color. Its surface is covered with numerous small, raised bumps. Like other sponges, Vulcanella mollis is a filter feeder that extracts nutrients from the water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
| Order |
Tetractinellida
Tetractinellida
|
| Family |
Stony Sponges
Pachastrellidae
|
| Genus |
Vulcanella
Vulcanella
|