The Fire Sponge is found in the western Atlantic and Caribbean coastal waters. It is named for the burning sensation and rash it produces when it is touched. It’s fragile tissue forms in large clusters. The Fire Sponge is a bright red or orange color externally and lighter on the inside. Water exits the sponge through 1 centimeter wide openings called oscula.
Sponges do not have a real circulatory system. They have flagellated cells on the surface of their bodies. These cells create a water current through the many pores in their bodies. They rely on keeping up this current in order to keep the water flowing through their bodies so that they can obtain food and oxygen and to remove waste.
Sponges do not have a real circulatory system. They have flagellated cells on the surface of their bodies. These cells create a water current through the many pores in their bodies. They rely on keeping up this current in order to keep the water flowing through their bodies so that they can obtain food and oxygen and to remove waste.