Azure+Vase+Sponge

=Phylum: Porifera = =Azure Vase Sponge =

__ Size: __ 6 to 18 in. (15 to 45 cm)
== __Description of Habitat:__ Inhabit coral reefs, most commonly grow on walls. Often associated with Sponge brittle stars (//Ophiothrix suensonii// ). == == __Living Requirements:__ Depth 20-75ft, freshwater and saltwater, and they get nutrition from food particles by filtrating water through their tubes. == ==__ Life Cycle: __ They can live for a few years, 200 years, or 5000 years, depending on how fast they grow. Some start sexual reproduction at a few weeks old and others start after several years. == ==  __Male/Female Differences:__ Sponges are hermaphrodites, so they function as both sexes. == ==__Interesting Facts:__ It is one of the worlds most colorful sponges. They are invertebrates, which means they don't have a backbone. Predators do not eat them because they lack nutrition. == ==__Human Impact: __Divers have harmed this sponge by touching it, or rubbing against it, which scrapes up the sponge and causes it to be unhealthy. ==

[[image:spomge_3.jpg width="265" height="204" align="right"]]

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