Chelonaplysilla noevus

Chelonaplysilla noevus is a sponge belonging to the family Darwinellidae. This species is found in the tropical waters of the Western Central Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It is a sessile organism, meaning it remains attached to a substrate such as coral reefs or rocky surfaces. Most occurrences of this species are recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters, making it accessible to divers exploring these regions. As a member of the class Demospongiae, Chelonaplysilla noevus exhibits hermaphroditic characteristics. The life cycle involves the development of a free-swimming parenchymella larva from the zygote. This larva eventually settles onto a suitable substrate, where it matures into a young sponge. Divers encountering Chelonaplysilla noevus can observe its stationary nature and its role in the reef ecosystem. The species has not been evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN, leaving its population trends and potential threats largely unknown.