| Aplysina fistularis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Porifera |
| Class: | Demospongiae |
| Order: | Verongida |
| Family: | Aplysinidae |
| Genus: | Aplysina |
| Species: | A. fistularis
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| Binomial name | |
| Aplysina fistularis (Pallas, 1766)
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| Synonyms | |
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List
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Aplysina fistularis (A. fistularis), also known as the yellow tube sponge,[1] is a species of sea sponge in the order Verongiida.[2] Aplysina fistularis is a golden or orange-brown color with a conulose surface. The animal is abundant in the Caribbean, where it is commonly found in reefs of open water areas.[1] This sponge was first described by the Prussian zoologist Peter Simon Pallas in 1766.
Aplysina fistularis consists of one or more yellow tube-like structures that arise from a closed base and are sessile. The sponge has wide oscula and thin walls with ridged surfaces.[3] Each tube is rarely over 30 centimetres (12 in) in clear water but can reach 50 centimetres (20 in) in turbid-zone reefs. Unlike the related species Aplysina insularis, A. fistularis does not develop rope-like projections around its tubes, although it may show some branching tendrils.[4] A. fistularis does not have a silicate skeletal structure like most sponges, and was used as a bath sponge before the invention of synthetic sponges.[3]
The primary predator of A. fistularis is the hawksbill turtle.[3]
Aplysina fistularis can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction usually occurs only if a piece of the body is broken off. Newly formed sponges require a hard surface to attach to and grow on. If a reef is heavily disturbed, such as being covered by algae or sediment, A. fistularis may struggle to establish itself and grow.[3]
In The SpongeBob Musical, the popular animated character SpongeBob SquarePants is revealed to be an Aplysina fistularis.[5]
