-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Sponges (Phylum Porifera)

-Demosponges (Class Demospongiae)

-Subclass Heteroscleromorpha

-Order Haplosclerida

-Family Callyspongiidae

-Genus Callyspongia

-Callyspongia californica

Callyspongia californica is a marine sponge species found along the eastern Pacific coast, particularly from the Gulf of California southward along the Pacific coast of Mexico. This species is commonly known as the California Branch Sponge due to its upright, branching growth form. It typically forms clusters of cylindrical, finger-like projections that rise from a common base attached to rock or reef substrate. The branches may be smooth or slightly textured and often have small openings (oscula) near their tips where filtered water exits. Like other sponges, Callyspongia californica is a filter feeder, drawing seawater through tiny pores in its body to capture bacteria, microscopic algae, and organic particles. It inhabits rocky reefs and shallow coastal environments, often at depths ranging from a few meters to several dozen meters.