Species · GBIF taxon 2245973
Azure Vase Sponge
Callyspongia pliciferaAlso known as Pink Vase Sponge, Caribbean Vase Sponge
Azure vase sponges are stunning, fluorescent marine invertebrates characterized by their deeply ridged, vase-like structures that glow in hues of pink, purple, and blue. They pump massive volumes of seawater through their porous walls to filter out microscopic plankton and bacteria. These structural wonders provide critical shelter for small reef fish, brittle stars, and snapping shrimp within Caribbean reef ecosystems.
MarineFilter FeederColorful
Licensed referencePauline Walsh Jacobson / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Microscopic plankton, bacteria, and organic detritus
- family
- Callyspongiidae
- threats
- Ocean warming, sedimentation, physical damage from anchors and divers
- life Span
- Up to 20 years or more
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Highly vulnerable to physical breakage from divers, anchors, and marine debris, taking years to regrow.
Maintain excellent buoyancy control when diving nearby and never touch or anchor near them.- Maintain buoyancy: Avoid touching or kicking the delicate, brittle structure while diving.
- Look inside: Peer gently into the central opening to spot symbiotic shrimp or brittle stars.
- Use a dive light: Bring a torch to reveal the true pink and purple colors at depth.