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29 November 2009
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Animal fact files
Yellow tube sponge/Sulphur sponge
Aplysina fistularis

Yellow tube sponges get their name from their hollow, chimney-like body form. They pump huge quantities of water through their bodies, filtering out the tiny particles on which they feed.

Statistics
The tubes are at least 60cm (24in) high.

Physical Description
At shallow depths yellow tube sponges have a shape which resembles a cactus. In deeper waters, the sponges develop long, straight tubes.

Their vivid yellow colour is probably due to special fluorescent pigments in the sponge tissue.

Distribution
Yellow tube sponges occur at a wide range of depths in tropical seas, from the surface to several hundred metres down.

Habitat
They are often found in areas with strong currents which facilitate the movement of water into their feeding canals.

Diet
These sponges are filter feeder that feed on bacteria, plankton and detritus.

Behaviour
Sponges are capable of pumping at least five times their own volume of water through their feeding canal every minute. They are able to filter out even the most microscopic bacteria and phytoplankton.

Reproduction
Sponges have male and female organs and reproduce sexually. They can also reproduce without sex: if a part breaks off, or fragments, it will form a new sponge.



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