Killer Sponge Discovery: She's Carnivorous

Four new species of carnivorous sponges were discovered by the research team at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the deep ocean. My new painting series was inspired by these fascinating new species. Most sponges feed by filtering water though pores in their bodies and filter the bacteria to eat. In the deep ocean, that's not energy efficient. These newly discovered carnivorous sponges have thousands of microscopic hooks or spicules that trap larger prey when it lands on the spiny skeletons. The prey is slowly digested over a few days. I was struck by now the creatures were named because they all have a specific story and inspiration. Equally fascinating is the unique shape of the spicules for each of the individual species. For more information about the recently discovered sponges, please visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium's website.   mbari.org


MBARI's film that inspired the paintings

Asbestopluma monticola, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma monticola, whose name means mountain dweller, was found on the ancient lava flow at Davidson Seamount off the Central California coast. There were several organisms in various states of decomposition found on this species.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, was named after marine biologist Ed Ricketts, who was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s book, Cannery Row.

    

Cladorhiza caillieti, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza caillieti was discovered on a lava flows near Vancover Island and named after professor and marine biologist Gregor Cailliet from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at CalState.

Cladorhiza evae, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza evae, named after marine biologist Lonny Lundsten's wife Eva. He was part of the research team who discovered the creature. These creatures were found growing in groups near a hydrothermal chimney along the Alarcon Rise off the tip of Baja.