PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sponge 

Holopsamma laminaefavosa Carter, 1885

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Sponges in this genus have a typically reticulate honeycomb growth form with fibres both cored and echinated by the same spicule type, although the coring spicules may be partially or wholly replaced by sand particles. It tends to adopt a thickly encrusting to lobate growth form and varies in colour from orange-brown to cream.

Brief species characters:
Growth form: irregular.
Mineral skeleton: siliceous.
Megescleres: monaxone.
Surface texture: honeycombed.

Family level characters:
Approximately 460 species of sponges from this family have been described worldwide with about 150 known from Australia, most of which occur in shallow water. Taxonomic identifications within this family are based on microscopic features including regional differences within the skeleton of the sponge and microsclere morphology. Members of this family adopt encrusting, lobate, branching or plate-like habits.

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:
Microcionidae
Genus:
Holopsamma
Species:
laminaefavosa

General Description

A beige, massive sponge species with irregular form. Size of about 30 cm.

Biology

This common species is one of five reported from southern Australia.

Habitat

Reef and sandy areas, at depths of 3-80 m.

Sponge gardens

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sponges › Demosponges

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

30 cm

Diet

Plankton or particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

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, Holopsamma laminaefavosa, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7671

Text: creative commons cc by licence