[1] Poriferans are typically characterized by ostia, pores that filter out plankton, with an osculum as the opening which water leaves through, and choanocytes trap food particles.

This species is frequently colonized by Umimayanthus parasiticus, a colonial anemone, and Ophiothrix suensonii, a brittle star.

[1] The color of C. aculeata is variable, ranging from red to orange, lavender to brownish-gray, greenish-gray, and sometimes light tan.

The long, erect tubes taper slightly and have a wide vent up to 2.5 cm in diameter with a thin wall.

The structure of the choanocyte being a singular flagellum surrounded by microvilli is a characteristic of most porifera which allows water to enter.

[5] Sponges are hermaphroditic, and members of demospongiae can develop sexually produced larvae or from asexual fragments.