Halichondria Halichondria is a widespread and often variable genus of marine sponges best known for its adaptability and diverse forms. The species Halichondria panicea is especially prominent among the intertidal and subtidal habitats of northern seas. Classification of Halichondria Habit and Habitat Halichondria species form amorphous or crust-like colonies on rocky substrates, large boulders, kelp […]
Chalina Chalina is famously known as the finger sponge, is a branched marine sponge that inhabits shallow sea zones and coastal areas. Classification of Chalina Habit and Habitat Chalina species prefer rocky substrates and coral reefs, where they attach themselves firmly to solid surfaces. They are most commonly found in shallow subtidal and intertidal zones,
Tethya Tethya is a globally distributed genus of marine sponges well known for their spherical or hemispherical shape and distinct physical features. Belonging to the family Tethyidae, these sponges inhabit a variety of marine environments and play important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Classification of Tethya Habit and Habitat Tethya sponges commonly grow attached to hard
Spongilla Spongilla is a genus of freshwater sponges well-known for thriving in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. These sponges play important ecological roles by filtering water and contributing to aquatic ecosystems. Classification of Spongilla Habit and Habitat Spongilla are freshwater organisms that attach themselves to submerged objects such as rocks, logs, and aquatic plants in
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Cliona Cliona, commonly known as boring sponges, represent an important genus of marine sponges that play a significant ecological role by excavating calcareous substrates. Classification of Cliona Habit and Habitat Cliona spp. are primarily found in shallow marine environments such as reefs and lagoons. They lead a boring lifestyle by excavating calcareous rocks, shells of
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Chondrilla Chondrilla is a genus of marine sponges known for its simple yet distinctive morphology and ecological roles. This article explores its complete classification, habitat and habit, geographical distribution, general characteristics, special features, and methods for identification. Classification of Chondrilla Habit and Habitat Chondrilla sponges are benthic marine organisms commonly found encrusting rocks, coral reefs,
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Oscarella Oscarella is a fascinating genus of marine sponges known for its delicate structure and biological significance. This genus comprised of soft-bodied sponges without traditional skeletons, making them unique within the Porifera. Classification of Oscarella Habit and Habitat Oscarella species are predominantly marine and exhibit encrusting habits, forming thin layers or thick patches over rocks,
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Pheronema Pheronema is a genus of deep-sea glass sponges belonging to the class Hexactinellida. These sponges are typically found anchored in soft ocean sediments at great depths, where they filter tiny organic particles from the surrounding water for nutrition. Their bodies are supported by delicate, silica-based skeletal structures that give them a fragile, translucent appearance.
Hyalonema Hyalonema is a genus of deep-sea glass sponges that belongs to the class Hexactinellida. These sponges are known for their long, twisted stalk made of silica spicules, which anchors them securely to the ocean floor in very deep marine environments. Their delicate, lattice-like body structure allows them to filter microscopic food particles from seawater.
Euplectella is a genus of deep-sea glass sponges in the class Hexactinellida, commonly known as the “Venus’ flower basket.” These sponges have a delicate, cylindrical body made of a lattice of silica spicules, giving them a glass-like appearance. They live anchored in soft sediments on the ocean floor and feed by filtering microscopic particles from
Leucila Leucila is a genus of small marine sponges that belongs to the class Calcarea, a group characterized by spicules made of calcium carbonate. These sponges are typically found in shallow coastal waters, where they attach to rocks, shells, or other submerged surfaces. It feeds by filtering microscopic particles and organic matter from seawater, helping
Grantia Grantia is a genus of small marine sponges belonging to the class Calcarea, which are characterized by spicules made of calcium carbonate. These sponges are usually found in shallow coastal waters attached to hard surfaces such as rocks and shells. Grantia has a simple tubular body structure with numerous pores that allow water to
Sycon or Scypha Sycon is a genus of small marine sponges that belongs to the class Calcarea, whose members possess calcium carbonate spicules forming their skeletal framework. These sponges are commonly found in shallow coastal waters attached to hard surfaces such as rocks or shells. Sycon has a cylindrical body with a system of pores
Clathrina or Olynthus Clathrina and Olynthus are simple marine sponges belonging to the class Calcarea, characterized by skeletons made of calcium carbonate spicules. Clathrina typically forms delicate, branching or tube-like colonies attached to hard surfaces in shallow coastal waters. It has a very simple body organization in which water flows through small openings directly into
Leucosolenia Leucosolenia is a genus of simple calcareous sponges belonging to the class Calcarea. These small, tube-shaped sponges are usually found in shallow marine waters attached to rocks, shells, or other submerged surfaces. Their bodies contain calcium carbonate spicules and a basic canal system that allows water to flow through for filter feeding on microscopic
Phylum Porifera Phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges, might seem unassuming at first glance—decorating aquariums, inhabiting the silence of ocean floors—but beneath that simplicity lies a group of animals that changed the course of life’s evolution and are central to unlocking the mysteries of multicellularity. In a world rushing toward complexity, these quiet, ancient beings
