The harp sponge, Chondrocladia lyra, is found off the coast of California at depths between 10,800 – 11,500 feet; or 3,300 – 3,500 m (© MBARI)
Chondrocladia lyra is a new species of carnivorous sponge. The species was named the harp sponge, because its basic structure is shaped like a lyre or harp. These weird creatures snare their prey with barbed hooks that cover the sponge’s branching limbs. Once the sponge has its prey in its clutches, it envelops the animal in a thin membrane, and then slowly begins to digest it.
