Fibulia ramosa, or the columnar sponge, is a species of deep-sea demosponge from the southern hemisphere.
The columnar sponge grows upright, made up by somewhat fused pale orange-brown column branches. These may become curved or twisted. It typically reaches a length of up to 60 mm (2.4 in) and a width of up to 40 mm (1.6 in). The surface is covered by small cone-like projections and has a sandpapery texture. The sponge is a firm, tough and leathery structure.[2]
This species is found of the coasts of south-western Africa, as well as off the Prince Edward Islands.[2] It is known to be one of the most common sponge species off the West Coast of South Africa,[3] where it has been found growing on soft sediments. This is a deep water species and is typically found at a depth of 91–287 m (299–942 ft).[2] It has, however, also been found growing on holdfasts in kelp forests.[4]
Fibulia ramosa, or the columnar sponge, is a species of deep-sea demosponge from the southern hemisphere.
