''Cladorhiza'' is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

of carnivorous

sponge Sponges, the members of the phylum Porifera (; meaning 'pore bearer'), are a basal animal clade as a sister of the diploblasts. They are multicellular organisms that have bodies full of pores and channels allowing water to circulate through t ...

s, comprising around 40 species found in oceans around the world. ''Cladorhiza'' is the type genus of the

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

Cladorhizidae Cladorhizidae is a family of demosponges which are carnivorous and prey on crustaceans and other small animals. They are deep sea sponges typically found on oceanic ridges and seamount systems. As of 2017, nine new species have been discovered ...

Description

Species of ''Cladorhiza'' occur in a diverse range of shapes, some ranging from globular to spherical to conical, with others attaining a tree-like or bush-like appearance. Many species have a narrow stalk or stem. Most species range from 2 to 12 cm in height, with a few attaining heights of 20 to 40 cm.

Species

As of 2014, 40 valid species of Cladorhiza are recognized.van Soest, R. (2014)
''Cladorhiza'' Sars, 1872
In: Van Soest, R.W.M; Boury-Esnault, N.; Hooper, J.N.A.; Rützler, K.; de Voogd, N.J.; Alvarez de Glasby, B.; Hajdu, E.; Pisera, A.B.; Manconi, R.; Schoenberg, C.; Janussen, D.; Tabachnick, K.R., Klautau, M.; Picton, B.; Kelly, M.; Vacelet, J.; Dohrmann, M.; Cristina Díaz, M.; Cárdenas, P. (2014) World Porifera database. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=131895 on 2014-04-20.

External links

* Merrick Ekins, Dirk Erpenbeck, Lisa Goudie, John N. A. Hooper
New carnivorous sponges and allied species from the Great Australian Bight
In: ZooTaxa Volume 4878, No. 2. Jan 2021. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4878.2.2.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5497104 Cladorhizidae