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A large, intensely colored, deep-water Iridescent Glassy Sponge (Callyspongia Plicifera) plays host to a tiny Goby. North Wall, Grand Cayman Island - Depth 165 feet or 50 meters |
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| * In deeper Caribbean waters (90 t0 180 feet or 27 to 55 meters) the
Iridescent Glassy Sponge (Callyspongia plicifera) often serves as
a refuge to small fish, in this case a Goby, probably (Gobiosoma
evelynae). At these greater depths, the sponges often exhibit an intensified degree of
bluish fluorescence. The
appearance of such a sponge is very striking, and makes worthwhile the short duration
of a dive that is necessary if one is to avoid lengthy decompression
time or the use of mixed gasses.
In the center top background can faintly be seen a Red Rope Sponges (Haliclona rubiginosa) , and in the right foreground are the arms of a Sea Feather (Pseudopterogorgia sp.) with polyps expanded. North Wall, Grand Cayman Island - Depth 165 feet or 50 meters |
