Sponges | Porifera

Sponges | Porifera

Description
Description

Sponges, belonging to the phylum Porifera, are simple, sessile animals residing primarily in marine environments, though some freshwater species exist. They are among the oldest creatures, with a fossil record stretching back around 600 million years. Sponges lack true tissues and organs, instead consisting of a porous body made up of specialized cells that enable them to filter nutrients from water.

They exhibit a remarkable diversity in color, shape, and size. Found from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, sponges play a crucial ecological role by filtering water and providing habitats for various marine species, contributing to the complexity and productivity of oceanic ecosystems.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Sponges are simple aquatic creatures with a unique anatomy. They lack true tissues and organs and instead have a porous body made of cells called choanocytes, which help them filter food particles from the water. Sponges have an internal skeleton made of spicules or spongin fibers, providing structural support. They don't move; they're sessile, firmly attached to surfaces in their marine or freshwater habitats. Sponges don't have nervous, digestive, or circulatory systems and thus lack senses and the ability to speak. They rely on the constant flow of water through their bodies to obtain nutrients and oxygen and to remove waste.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a multifaceted relationship with sponges, marked by both utility and scientific curiosity. For centuries, natural sea sponges have been harvested for their absorbent properties, serving as cleaning tools and personal hygiene products. In pop culture, the most famous sponge is SpongeBob SquarePants, an animated character who lives under the sea. Scientifically, sponges are studied for their remarkable regenerative abilities and unique cellular structure.

Conservation efforts are crucial, as sponges play a vital role in marine ecosystems by filtering water and providing habitats for other organisms. Protecting them ensures the health of our oceans and the continuity of their benefits to humanity.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do porifera reproduce?

Porifera are able to reproduce asexually and sexually. Some porifera can reproduce by regenerating themselves once they are broken off either by the water current or predators. In other species the male releases the sperm into the water, and this goes into the female porifera. After fertilization, the larvae are released. They float until they stick to a surface and continue their growth.

What do porifera eat?

Most porifera are filter feeders that eat tiny organic debris, particles, and plankton that they filter from the water. Porifera are not picky and will eat whatever the current from the ocean brings along, ranging from large particles to tiny organisms.

How do porifera move?

Porifera move very slowly, typically less than a millimeter a day. Some porifera may become fixed onto a surface and not move. During reproduction larvae are released and will float in the water, but are not particular in their direction.

Animals

* Under Development *

3.1”-7.1” | 8-18 cm
3.9”-13.8” | 10-35 cm (Diameter)
3.9”-13.8” | 10-35 cm (Diameter)
Bath Sponge
18.000
35.000
35.000
900
GUIDE
3D
Bath Sponge
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
Boring Sponge
50.000
100.000
100.000
360
GUIDE
3D
Boring Sponge
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm (Cluster)
13.8”-21.7” | 35-55 cm (Cluster)
13.8”-21.7” | 35-55 cm (Cluster)
Freshwater Sponge
45.000
55.000
55.000
2250
GUIDE
3D
Freshwater Sponge
3.3’-8’ | 1-2.44 m
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m (Diameter)
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m (Diameter)
Giant Barrel Sponge
244.000
200.000
200.000
200
GUIDE
3D
Giant Barrel Sponge
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
Golden Sponge
30.000
100.000
100.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Golden Sponge
19.7”-47.2” | 50-120 cm
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
Yellow Tube Sponge
120.000
100.000
100.000
1150
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Tube Sponge
Boring Sponge (Cliona celata)
Scale illustration of an average Boring Sponge compared to other sponge species and a person

The Boring Sponge (Cliona celata) is found worldwide but abundant in southern New England and the western Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly found around lagoons and coral reefs. It has a tendency of breaking down and creating holes in mollusks or shells or shelled creatures. As a result, they are featureless and seen as lumps at the bottom of a hole. It can be yellow or orange with a thick, encrusting form and small pores. Its ability to take host on shells makes them a great danger to shellfish farming. This sponge is a filter feeder, and like most sponges, reproduced both sexually and asexually.

The Boring Sponge has an overall diameter between 23.6”-39.4” (60-100 cm) and height of 11.8”-19.7” (30-50 cm).

Series of top and side view illustrations of the Boring Sponge
The Boring Sponge (Cliona celata) is found worldwide but abundant in southern New England and the western Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly found around lagoons and coral reefs. It has a tendency of breaking down and creating holes in mollusks or shells or shelled creatures.

The Boring Sponge has an overall diameter between 23.6”-39.4” (60-100 cm) and height of 11.8”-19.7” (30-50 cm).

Series of top and side view illustrations of the Boring Sponge
Boring Sponge (Cliona celata)
Height:
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
Width:
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
Length:
Depth:
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Cliona celata
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Boring Sponge top view, side (assorted)

Downloads

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