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A pair of massive, Deep-Water Verongia, with Red Rope Sponge (Haliclona rubens), and Deep-water Gorgonians (Icilogorgia schrammi). |
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| * Attached beneath a rocky outcrop are
a pair of massive, deep-water Sponges (Verongia sp.) In the
right
foreground is the Red Rope Sponge (Haliclona rubens), and
in the background is the Deep-water Gorgonian (Icilogorgia schrammi).
The waters around the Grand Cayman Island are especially rich in
Sponges of the Verongia species (1), (2), (3). The above seem
peculiar to the Great North Wall. On
the walls of Little Cayman Island, we have found no
Verongias such as the above. Instead, several bright yellow branching
forms are plentiful at moderate depths (60 t0 80 feet or 16 to 24 meters)
(4). North Wall, Grand Cayman Island - Depth 130 feet or 40 meters |
