Cladorhiza is a genus of carnivorous sponges, comprising around 40 species found in oceans around the world. Cladorhiza is the type genus of the family Cladorhizidae.
Description Species of Cladorhiza show a wide variety of forms. Some are globular, spherical, or conical, while others grow in tree-like or bush-like shapes. 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.
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