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The Caribbean pink vase sponge (Dasychalina cyathina), with a Deep Water Gorgonian (Icilogorgia Schrammi) to the left of the habitat. The wall is sprinkled with red and pink Encrusting Sponge. South Coast, Grand Cayman Island - Depth 125 feet or 38 meters |
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| *The above Caribbean Pink Vase Sponge
(Dasychalina cyathina) is here attached to a near
vertical wall sprinkled
with red and pink Encrusting Sponge. To the left is a Deep
Water Gorgonian (Icilogorgia Schrammi). The scoured
appearance of the wall we estimate is due to the season, and the vigorous water motion
typical of Grand Cayman's South Coast, even at these depths. The name 'Caribbean Pink Vase Sponge' can be misleading. We have found (Dasychalina cyathina) in a variety of habitats throughout the Grand Cayman Islands, each with its own form. These range from a white, open form in a deep protected crevice on the Grand Cayman's South coast (1), to forms at a spot on the Bloody Bay Wall of Little Cayman Island, where the Pink Vase Sponges were not vases at all, but fan-like forms (2).
Lighthouse Wall, South Coast, Grand Cayman Island - Depth 125 feet or 38 meters - Time 10:00 am |
