About Callyspongia plicifera (Lamarck, 1814)
Callyspongia plicifera, commonly known as the azure vase sponge, is a vase-shaped demosponge. It can grow up to 27 centimeters in height and 13.5 centimeters in diameter. Its outer surface features rounded pits and grooves that are 0.5 to 1 centimeter deep, while its inner surface is smooth and has scattered openings measuring 1 to 5 millimeters across. The vent at the top of the sponge can reach up to 6.5 centimeters in diameter, and is edged with a thin, transparent collar. This sponge is most commonly pink or light blue, but may also appear in other colors such as tan, peach, or yellow, and typically displays a predominantly light blue iridescence. Unlike many other Caribbean sponge species, Callyspongia plicifera does not produce chemical deterrents to prevent fish grazing. As a result, it heals and regrows faster after being grazed by fish than these other species, with an average healing rate of 8% area regeneration per day following grazing.
