Biology:Negombata magnifica

From HandWiki
Short description: Species of sponge

Toxic finger-sponge
Negombata magnifica at Shaab el Erg.JPG
Red branches of Negombata magnifica
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Poecilosclerida
Family: Podospongiidae
Genus: Negombata
Species:
N. magnifica
Binomial name
Negombata magnifica
(Keller, 1889)
Synonyms
  • Latrunculia magnifica Keller, 1889

Negombata magnifica, commonly known as toxic finger-sponge, is a species of sponge found from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Its reddish-brown narrow crooked branches can grow up to 70 centimetres (28 in). Negombata magnifica is extremely toxic because of the toxin latrunculin. [1] [2] [3]

Negombata magnifica lives on shallow coral reefs in the northern waters of the Red Sea . Unlike many other species of sponges that live in abundance in these waters, preferring to grow between corals and rocks, or under them, Negombata magnifica grows in sight. The local fish won't touch it so it doesn't get damaged. When touched, it releases a strongly smelling, reddish juice, which instantaneously makes all the fish flee away.

Negombata magnifica is grown artificially to harvest latrunculin.

References

Wikidata ☰ Q2776605 entry