Cladorhiza corallophila sp. nov., a new carnivorous sponge (Cladorhizidae, Demospongiae) living in close association with Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata (Scleractinia)

• Published in: Zootaxa
• Main Authors: GÖCKE, CHRISTIAN, HESTETUN, JON T., UHLIR, CAROLIN, FREIWALD, ANDRÉ, BEUCK, LYDIA, JANUSSEN, DORTE
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Mangolia Press 2016
• Subjects: Porifera; Cladorhizidae; Mauritania; Atlantic; new species; cold-water corals; Lophelia pertusa; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.mapress.com/j/zt/article/view/zootaxa.4168.3.4; https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4168.3.4

In this study, we describe a new species of cladorhizid sponge, which shows a very peculiar mode of life: It always occurs in association with the scleractinian cold-water corals Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. Although the sponge lives in nutrient-rich areas, we document its carnivorous feeding behavior. The identity of the new species was verified using molecular markers: the species is very closely related to the North-Atlantic Cladorhiza abyssicola, but it differs distinctly, and forms a monophyletic clade. The two species might be considered very close relatives, probably sister species deriving from a common ancestor.