Is a sponge producer?
As primary producers Sponges with photosynthesizing endosymbionts produce up to three times more oxygen than they consume, as well as more organic matter than they consume.
What does the orange puffball sponge eat?
This voracious feeder eats almost anything that passes by, including falling mussels, barnacle molts and small fishes.
Where does the orange puffball sponge live?
central California
The orange puffball sponge is the most commonly known subtidal sponge in central California. Commonly seen in kelp forests attached to the rocky reef, these sponges are easily identified by their spherical shape, bright orange color, and rough surface.
Why are sponges animals?
The folks over at Scientific American note that sponges’ specialized cells differentiate them from multicellular protists, creatures which are not animals, plants, or fungus, and which form no tissues. So, sponges are in fact the original animal hipster; they were multicellular before it was cool.