Info
Drilling sponges such as Cliona rhodensis use acids to "drill" holes in calcareous rock, coral skeletons and mussel shells in which the sponge lives.
Only a small part of the sponge is visible as a dot or spot on the surface. Drilling sponges contribute to the erosion of coral reefs.
The shellfish damaged by the drilling usually die.
Etymology: Named after Rhodes, the type locality
ID confirmed by Prof. Dr. Christine Schoenberg in July 2024!
Only a small part of the sponge is visible as a dot or spot on the surface. Drilling sponges contribute to the erosion of coral reefs.
The shellfish damaged by the drilling usually die.
Etymology: Named after Rhodes, the type locality
ID confirmed by Prof. Dr. Christine Schoenberg in July 2024!