PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sponge 

Biemna sp. MoV 6699

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Species in this genus include a pale yellow species that is cushion-shaped.

Brief species characters:
Growth form: encrusting, lobate.
Mineral skeleton: siliceous.
Megescleres: monaxone.
Surface texture: hispid, furry.

Family level characters:
Sponges in this family lack the chelae microscleres that are characteristic of the other families in the Order Poecilosclerida. Instead they have a diverse range of microscleres that may include c- or s-shaped sigmas, comma-like commata and fine, hair-like raphides. This family contains six genera that exhibit examples of the full variety of growth forms from encrusting to cup-shaped, branching and massive.

Order level characters:
This order contains the highest diversity of sponge species in the phylum, spread amongst 25 families. Member species have been recorded from all marine habitats. Poecilosclerid sponges are characterised by the presence of both organic (fibre) and inorganic (spicular) skeletal components, both usually well developed. Different spicule and skeletal elements are often localised to particular regions of the sponge. A diverse range of spicule types is displayed throughout this order including the c-shaped chelae microscleres that are peculiar to this order. Examples from 11 of the 25 families are included here.

Source: Goudie, L., Norman, M. N. and Finn, J. K. (in press) Sponges, Museum Victoria.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Porifera
Class:
Demospongiae
Order:
Poecilosclerida
Family:
Desmacellidae
Genus:
Biemna

General Description

A pale yellow sponge species with encrusting lobate form. Size of about 20 cm.

Biology

This species is a member of a family group that has species known to cause severe dermatitis reactions of the skin on contact. There are over 50 species in this genus occurring in oceans worldwide and over a large depth range.

Habitat

Reef and jetty areas, to depth of 10 m.

Sponge gardens

Reefs

Distribution guide

Port Phillip in Victoria.

Species Group

Sponges › Demosponges

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

20 cm

Diet

Plankton or particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

sp. MoV 6699

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Goudie, L.

Lisa Goudie is a consultant with expertise in sponge taxonomy.

citation

Cite this page as:
Goudie, L., 2011, Sponge, Biemna , in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7654

Text: creative commons cc by licence