PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sponge 

Lissodendoryx sp. MoV 6698

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

This cosmopolitan sponge genus contains many species which may be massive, lobate or fan-shaped, typically with an irregular surface. The species shown is thickly encrusting to conical.

Brief species characters:
Growth form: volcano.
Mineral skeleton: siliceous.
Megescleres: monaxone.
Surface texture: lumpy, oscules apical.

Family level characters:
Members of this family adopt various growth forms from massive to encrusting, branching or as hollow tubes (fistulose). The seven genera in this family are grouped together because of the similarities in their mesh-like skeletal structure and the combinations of spicules, which include rod-shaped megascleres with slightly swollen ends (tylotes) in the outer layer and the claw-like microscleres, chelae.

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:
Coelosphaeridae
Genus:
Lissodendoryx

General Description

A pink to brown sponge species, massive with volcano form. Size of about 20 cm.

Habitat

Reef and jetty areas, at depths of 2-20 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 6698

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, Lissodendoryx , in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 13 Jan 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7675

Text: creative commons cc by licence