Aplysina fistularius
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Aplysina fistularius, commonly known as the “yellow tube sponge,” is a species of marine sponge belonging to the family Aplysinidae. It is found in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic Ocean.
The yellow tube sponge is characterized by a cylindrical shape that can grow up to 1 m in length. Its surface is covered in large, round openings known as oscula, which allow water to flow through the sponge’s body and help it to filter feed on plankton.
Like all sponges, Aplysina fistularius is a filter feeder that depends on the movement of water through its body to obtain nutrients. It is an important member of its ecosystem, providing habitat and refuge for a variety of marine organisms.
Yellow tube sponges are often harvested for use in the cosmetics industry due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In summary, Aplysina fistularius is a cylindrical marine sponge found in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic Ocean. It is a filter feeder that plays an important ecological role and is used in the cosmetics industry due to its bioactive compound content.
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