Sponges are normally filter-feeding critters which sit around and filter
huge quantities of water to get plankton and bacteria and other similar
organic matter to eat.
This sponge, however, has developed filaments which capture small
crusteacans by using hook-shaped, pointy structures called spicules. These
spicules are simular to velcro. Once the crusteacean gets caught on the
spicules they will struggle for a day or so. As the prey stuggles, new
spicules develop which further envelop the creature.
The sponge looks like a drosera (except it dosen't use sticky liquid). Most
of the prey is digested by the sponge directly but the spicules help out in
the process.
It is a deep-sea sponge, normally found between 100 and 8840 meters in the
Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, although some isolated specimens have
been in shallower waters (in caves) of the Mediterranean. It thrives in
nutrient-poor water (sounds familiar). It is a member of the genus
Asbestopluma and hasn't been named yet.
I guess sooner or later this little guy might find itself in the possession
of a CP enthusiast. :-)
Doug Bosco (bosco@interaccess.com)