DSC_1296 Encrusting sponge, or koopuputai (Callyspongia stellata) commonly encrusts rock in the mid to low tide zone to depths of 20m. The bright blue is due to pigment in the amoebocytes (amoeba-like cells found throughout the sponge which store, digest and transport food). Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour *
DSC_8679 Orange golf ball sponge (Tethya burtoni) showing budding propagules - tiny stalked reproductive 'buds'. Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour
DSC_8722 Orange golf ball sponge (Tethya burtoni) detail of budding propagules - tiny stalked reproductive 'buds'. Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour
