The Giant Barrel sponge (Also known as Xestospongia muta) is one of the largest species of sponge found mainly in the Caribbean. It usually grows up to 30-35 feet and its diameter is usually 5-6 feet across. It is brown-red in color and has a very hard texture. This sponge is one of the most interesting and beautiful sponges in all of the oceans. The color sometimes ranges from dark brown to a white color, and this all depends on its depth. In very shallow waters it is brown and in deep waters (maximum depth of 390-400 feet) it is white. The sponge, even though huge in size, takes a while to grow and as it grows more the growth rate slows down so it will take a very long time for it to reach its maximum size. The Giant Barrel sponge is a filter feeder, where water is pumped through the interior o the sponges body.
One cool fact about the Giant Barrel sponge is that its average lifespan is 2,000 years, which is pretty impressive for a sea creature.
Sponges do not have a cardiovascular system. They depend on maintaining a constant water flow through their bodies to obtain food and oxygen and to remove wastes, and the shapes of their bodies are adapted to maximize the efficiency of the water flow. Throughout the body of the sponge there are many canals where water can easily flow through. Many of these canals are lined with a special type of cell called Choanocytes. This type of cell is flagellated. These Choanocytes keep water flowing through the canals by beating their flagellum, they are also a key component in trapping food items. Also the Flagellum creates rhythmical beating which allows water to move more smoothly through the body.
One cool thing about the Giant Barrel Sponges body is that it serves as a habitat for various invertebrates which can live on the outside or inside of the sponge.
One cool fact about the Giant Barrel sponge is that its average lifespan is 2,000 years, which is pretty impressive for a sea creature.
Sponges do not have a cardiovascular system. They depend on maintaining a constant water flow through their bodies to obtain food and oxygen and to remove wastes, and the shapes of their bodies are adapted to maximize the efficiency of the water flow. Throughout the body of the sponge there are many canals where water can easily flow through. Many of these canals are lined with a special type of cell called Choanocytes. This type of cell is flagellated. These Choanocytes keep water flowing through the canals by beating their flagellum, they are also a key component in trapping food items. Also the Flagellum creates rhythmical beating which allows water to move more smoothly through the body.
One cool thing about the Giant Barrel Sponges body is that it serves as a habitat for various invertebrates which can live on the outside or inside of the sponge.