Cymbastela lamellata

Cymbastela lamellata is a marine sponge species found primarily in the Southwest Pacific, including New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. It is a sessile organism, meaning it remains fixed in one place, and is known to be a filter feeder. This sponge thrives in temperate marine environments and is typically found at depths ranging from 6 to 90 meters, although some records indicate occurrences at greater depths. It is particularly dominant in Fiordland, New Zealand, where it plays a significant ecological role. The species is characterized by its ability to filter feed, extracting nutrients from the water. In 2022, a mass bleaching event occurred in Fiordland due to a marine heatwave, causing the sponges to expel their symbiotic algae. Despite this, most of the affected sponges survived, although they faced increased predation risks. Cymbastela lamellata has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering this sponge can expect to find it in temperate reefs and sponge gardens, where it contributes to the benthic ecosystem. The species is harmless to humans and does not have any known uses or threats associated with it.