(Hitra - Sør-Trøndelag / 3.28.2010 / 10 meters)

Phylum: Porifera

Class: Calcarea

Order: Leucosolenida

Family: Sycettidae

Scientific name: Sycon quadrangulatum

 

Norwegian: urnekalksvamp

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Distribution: This sponge is very common along the Norwegian coast. It can be found on rocks or even on algae, preferably in shallow waters.

Characteristics: Because of the shape and the single opening (oscule) at the cylinder end, it can be confused with a sea squirt on some distance. The opening is framed by fine hairs. The color is white, grey or light brown.  It can reach a length of 9 cm. Sycon quadrangulatum usually lives one year. Larvae are released in the spring. The sponge often dies immediately after.

The scientific name has been changed at several occasions. It is previously known as Sycon ciliatum and Schypa ciliata.

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