Negombata magnifica

Negombata magnifica, commonly known as toxic finger-sponge, is a species of sponge found from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Its reddish-brown narrow crooked branches can grow up to 70 centimetres (28 in). Negombata magnifica is extremely toxic because of the toxin latrunculin. [1] [2] [3]

Toxic finger-sponge
Red branches of Negombata magnifica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Poecilosclerida
Family: Podospongiidae
Genus: Negombata
Species:
N. magnifica
Binomial name
Negombata magnifica
(Keller, 1889)
Synonyms
  • Latrunculia magnifica Keller, 1889

Negombata magnifica lives on shallow coral reefs in the northern waters of the Red Sea . Unlike many other species of sponges that live in abundance in these waters, preferring to grow between corals and rocks, or under them, Negombata magnifica grows in sight. The local fish won't touch it so it doesn't get damaged. When touched it releases a strongly smelling, reddish juice, which instantaneously makes all the fish flee away.

Negombata magnifica is grown artificially to harvest latrunculin.

References
  1. Lieske, Ewald; Myers, Robert (2004). Coral reef guide. Red Sea. p. 235. ISBN 9780007741731.
  2. World Porifera Database - Species - Negombata magnifica (Keller, 1889)
  3. Negombata magnifica - Information on Negombata magnifica - Encyclopedia of Life


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