Earlobe Sponge (9”-10”) clam 2 in) thick

2 in) thick

two-sided fronds about 5 cm (2 in) tall and not more than 5 mm (0

others highly ornamented with spines or flutings

The shell may reach 5 ins (12 cm) in length

Earlobe Sponge (9”-10”) clam 2 in) thickCarnivorous sponges represent a novel innovation within phylum Porifera. These sponges lack or have a reduced aquiferous system, and instead feed by passively capturing prey items such as larvae or small crustaceans. Carnivorous sponges are typically erect, with stalked or branching bodies and a large number of thin filaments. Prey items become entangled in the filaments, and are subsequently gradually enveloped and digested by sponge cells migrating