HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Sponges

Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera, which translates from Latin as “pore bearer.” Sponges were given this name because they are all multicellular animals with pores. With these pores, sponges are able to filter water in and out of their bodies. Unlike certain sponge species around other parts of the world that take up more 3D space in the water, the “encrusting” sponges at Haystack Rock lay rather flat on rocks. These sponges are an essential part of Haystack Rock’s tide pool ecosystem because they provide food for a fan-favorite organism: the sea slug (AKA nudibranchs)!