Vardhan Patankar
( Xestospongia testudinaria )
Found in shallow coral reef areas between 5-35 m.
The giant barrel sponge ranges in colour from maroon to pink with the opening of the barrel pale white. They play the important role of filtering a large amount of water throughout their long life span, some living up to about 2000 years! This filteration increases water quality, algae and affects coral populations. They also serve as habitats for many species of fish, invertebrates and bacteria.
They feed on the organic matter that they filter out from the water column.
Joydeep Sarkar
( Clavelina moluccensis )
Found forming clusters on dead coral or other hard surfaces at depths between 3-100 m.
This species of sea squirt can grow between 0.5-2.5 cm long. They have a bluish colour and the tops contain darker blue patches. These animals do not move and are filter feeders.
Feed by taking in water through the tube and filter out organic matter and plankton.
Karan Baath
Karan Baath
( Didemnum molle )
Found between 0-15 m in shallow coastal waters.
With each individual growing up to about 10 cm in diameter, the green barrel tunicate can be seen forming groups attached to hard substrates. They can vary in colour from white, brown or green or a combination of these, they appear greenish because of the symbiotic algae present in their tissues.
They filter out the water for planktonic organims and organic matter.