Mysterious Deep-Sea Sponge Feeds on Meat in Ocean Depths
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In the depths of Monterey Bay, California, a unique carnivorous deep-sea sponge, known as the harp sponge (Chondrocladia lyra), has been discovered. This fascinating creature, found near 3300 meters depth in the muddy plains of the Gorda Ridge, boasts a distinct feeding mechanism, life cycle, and reproductive method.
The harp sponge feeds on small crustaceans such as copepods, using its vertical branching structures that resemble a candelabra or harp. These branches are equipped with hooked spicules reminiscent of devil's claws, which trap the prey. Once captured, the prey is enveloped in a thin membrane, and the digestion process begins.
When it comes to reproduction, the candelabra-like branches of the harp sponge play a crucial role. Buds containing packets of sperm, or spermatic packets, develop at the tips of the branches and are eventually released into the water. Upon encountering another harp sponge, these sperm packets travel along the branches until fertilization occurs upon meeting the egg cells.
The initial discovery of the harp sponge was made by remote-operated vehicles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in 2000. MBARI researchers recently described this species among nearly 250 new species, highlighting the extensive ongoing exploration in Monterey Bay.
Taxonomically, the harp sponge belongs to the family Cladorhizidae within Demospongiae and is supported by genetic sequences in its classification.
The harp sponge anchors itself to soft, muddy sediments on the ocean floor using root-like structures called rhizoids. Its adaptations are specifically designed for capturing prey much smaller than a human, making any risk to people virtually nonexistent. Despite being nearly 2 miles underwater, the harp sponge poses no threat to humans.
Initial findings revealed harp sponges with only two branches, or vanes, but further observations uncovered specimens with up to six vanes. The largest recorded harp sponge had approximately 14 inches in height.
Lonny Lundsten, an invertebrate biologist at the institute, expressed astonishment upon observing the harp sponge for the first time. Since the discovery of the harp sponge, Lundsten has helped identify four new species. Human encounters with the harp sponge are extremely rare.
If a person were to come into contact with a harp sponge, they would likely be able to break free due to their size and the sponge's relatively weak grip. The harp sponge's unique structure allows it to capture prey effectively, with branching limbs covered in Velcro-like barbed hooks.
The harp sponge, similar to an underwater Venus flytrap, is a remarkable example of carnivory and active reproductive strategy in marine sponges documented by Monterey Bay researchers. Despite Monterey Bay being only 1% explored, it is one of the most well-studied deep-sea regions on Earth.
The investigation in the unique carnivorous deep-sea sponge, the harp sponge, has opened avenues for research in the field of environmental-science, particularly marine biology. As technology advances, our understanding of the rich diversity and complexities of deep-sea life, such as the harp sponge, will undoubtedly be shaped by the use of remotely-operated vehicles and genetic sequencing.
