Antlers Sponge Coral, also known as Axinella polypoides, is a species of sea sponge found in the western Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic coast of Europe and Africa. This species is known for its distinct appearance and remarkable adaptability.
Identifying Antlers Sponge Coral is relatively easy due to its unique structure. The coral has a cylindrical main shaft that is usually erect and can form rounded branches or fans. Its surface is smooth and typically yellow or orange in color, with body lengths ranging from 20 cm to 25 cm.
Axinella polypoides lives on rocky bottoms at depths of 20 to 100 meters and can also be found in colder seas like those of northern Europe. This sponge is flexible at the top but hard at the lower section. It filters water through pores, capturing plankton and other nutrients while absorbing oxygen. A single sponge can filter an impressive 200,000 times its volume in water every 24 hours.
Antlers Sponge Coral can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, sperm released by one sponge is captured by another, leading to fertilization and the release of a free-swimming larva. In asexual reproduction, fragments of the sponge break off and grow into clones, identical to the parent sponge.
Diving near Double Arch Reef off the coast of Xwejni Bay, Gozo, offers an exciting opportunity to see Antlers Sponge Coral in its natural habitat. Alongside this unique sponge, you can encounter colorful Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense) and experience the vibrant marine life of Gozo.
The stunning photo of Antlers Sponge Coral was taken at a depth of 50m near Double Arch Reef, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Gozo’s underwater ecosystems. Dive into Gozo’s waters and uncover the secrets of the Antlers Sponge Coral and its aquatic companions.
