Purse Sponge — printable fact sheet

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Purse Sponge

Grantia compressa

The purse sponge is a small, sac-like marine sponge found along the northeastern Atlantic coasts and the Mediterranean Sea. Its body is typically slender, tubular, and can reach lengths up to 5 centimeters, resembling a tiny purse or bag. The sponge has a rough, leathery surface…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Grantiidae

Habitat

Shallow marine coastal waters, especially attached to rocks and seaweeds

Diet

Filter feeder

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-5 years

Weight

2-10 grams

Scientific name

Grantia compressa

Did you know?

Despite their simple appearance, purse sponges can regenerate lost parts and even re-form after being broken into pieces.
Purse sponges can contract their bodies to expel waste water, giving them a unique 'squeezing' appearance. They are hermaphroditic, meaning individuals contain both male and female reproductive cells. The surface of the purse sponge is covered in tiny pores, which are used to filter food from seawater.

What I learned

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