| Cladorhiza | |
|---|---|
 | |
| An undescribed species off the coast of New Zealand | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Porifera |
| Class: | Demospongiae |
| Order: | Poecilosclerida |
| Family: | Cladorhizidae |
| Genus: | Cladorhiza Sars, 1872 |
| Species | |
See text | |
| Synonyms | |
List
| |
Cladorhiza is a genus of carnivorous sponges, comprising around 40 species found in oceans around the world. Cladorhiza is the type genus of the family Cladorhizidae.
Species of Cladorhiza occur in a diverse range of shapes, some ranging from globular to spherical to conical, with others attaining a tree-like or bush-like appearance. Many species have a narrow stalk or stem. Most species range from 2 to 12 cm in height, with a few attaining heights of 20 to 40 cm. [1]
As of 2014, 40 valid species of Cladorhiza are recognized. [2]
Polymastia is a genus of sea sponges containing about 30 species. These are small to large encrusting or dome-shaped sponges with a smooth surface having many teat-shaped projections (papillae). In areas of strong wave action, this genus does not grow the teat structures, but instead grows in a corrugated form.
Chondrocladia is a genus of carnivorous demosponges of the family Cladorhizidae. Neocladia was long considered a junior synonym, but has recently become accepted as a distinct genus.
Plakinidae is a family of marine sponges. It is composed of seven genera:
Clathria is a large genus of demosponges in the family Microcionidae.
Haliclona is a genus of demosponges in the family Chalinidae.
Ircinia is a genus of sea sponges in the family Irciniidae.
Auletta is a genus of sponges in the family Bubaridae.
Homaxinella is a genus of sea sponges in the family Suberitidae. The type species is Homaxinella balfourensis.
Myxilla is a genus of demosponge belonging to the family Myxillidae. These sponges usually form encrustations on rock surfaces.
Neopetrosia is a genus of marine petrosiid sponges. It was first established by the American spongiologist Max Walker de Laubenfels in 1932. It contains these 27 species:
Cladorhizidae is a family of carnivorous demosponges found in deep-sea environments worldwide. These sponges are known for their unique feeding structures and predatory behavior, as they capture and consume small animals such as crustaceans.
Cladorhiza caillieti is a carnivorous sponge of the family Cladorhizidae described in 2014 from specimens collected from the Juan de Fuca Ridge off the coast of Vancouver Island. It feeds on small crustaceans such as amphipods and copepods. C. caillieti is an elongate, bottlebrush-shaped sponge with filaments projecting from a main stem, and ranges from 7 to 9 cm in height. The specific epithet honors Dr. Gregor M. Cailliet of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
Cladorhiza inversa is a species of sponge in the taxonomic class Demospongiae. The body of the sponge consists of a spicule and fibers and is water absorbent.
Esperiopsis is a genus of demosponges, comprising around 30 species found in oceans around the world.
Acanthascus is a genus of sponges in the family Rossellidae. Species include:
Mycale is a genus of demosponge with 240 recognised species in 11 subgenera. It has been a large genus with multiple subdivisions since it was first described in 1867.
Phakellia is a genus of sponges belonging to the family Bubaridae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution.
Phorbas is a genus of demosponges belonging to the family Hymedesmiidae.
Abyssocladia is a genus of the family Cladorhizidae, a family of carnivorous sponges. It is made up of at least 39 species found in oceans all over the world.