About Ianthella basta (Pallas, 1766)
Ianthella basta (Pallas, 1766) is a fan-shaped species of sea sponge in the class Demospongiae. It has several common names: elephant ear sponge, paper sponge, and scroll sponge. One recorded Ianthella basta sponge that measured 1.7 meters in height and 9.5 meters in circumference has been estimated to be approximately 8 years old.
This sponge is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it grows on coral reefs located in areas with rapid water flow. As an introduced species in non-native ranges, Ianthella basta does not typically invade the territories of other species and is noncompetitive.
The sea cucumber Synaptula lamperti has a close ecological association with Ianthella basta, and uses certain nutrients exuded by the sponge. Active research is currently being conducted on the various metabolites and other biologically active compounds produced by this sponge.
