title: Cladorhiza corallophila sp. nov., a new carnivorous sponge (Cladorhizidae, Demospongiae) living in close association with Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata (Scleractinia).
abstract: In this study, we describe a new species of cladorhizid sponge, which shows a very peculiar mode of life: It always occurs in association with the scleractinian cold-water corals Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. Although the sponge lives in nutrient-rich areas, we document its carnivorous feeding behavior. The identity of the new species was verified using molecular markers: the species is very closely related to the North-Atlantic Cladorhiza abyssicola, but it differs distinctly, and forms a monophyletic clade. The two species might be considered very close relatives, probably sister species deriving from a common ancestor.
authors.affiliation: Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Museum für Naturkunde, Münsterstraße 271, D-44145 Dortmund, Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Göcke
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergen, P. O. Box 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Jon T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Hestetun
authors.affiliation: Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Carolin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Uhlir
authors.affiliation: Senckenberg am Meer, Marine Research Department, Südstrand 40, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany MARUM, Bremen University, Leobener Str., D-28359 Bremen, Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Freiwald
authors.affiliation: Senckenberg am Meer, Marine Research Department, Südstrand 40, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beuck
authors.affiliation: Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Email: dorte.janussen@senckenberg.de.
authors.forename: Dorte
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Janussen
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000825:Animal Structures / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000469:parasitology*; D049628:Body Size; D060435:Carnivory / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D017753:Ecosystem; D009929:Organ Size; D011161:Porifera / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior