Sponge

Harp sponge

Chondrocladia lyra

PacificAtlanticIndianSouthernArctic A single ocean

Northeast Pacific, off California

Depth

3,300 to 3,500 m

Size

Up to 60 cm wide and 40 cm tall

Diet

Trapped small crustaceans

Zone

The sea floor · 200 – 3,500 m

Key facts

• It is a carnivorous sponge: its branches bear hooks that trap small crustaceans.
• Its harp shape increases its surface area for catching prey.
• It was described in 2012, off California.

Verified sources

1. MBARI : Harp sponge
2. SeaLifeBase, Chondrocladia lyra

In the game: To observe

In the same zone

XenophyophoreClass Xenophyophorea Abyssal sea penUmbellula sp. Venus flytrap anemoneActinoscyphia aurelia Sea lilyStalked crinoids HagfishFamily Myxinidae Deep-sea skateBathyraja sp.