PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sponge 

Callyspongia sp. MoV 6675

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Members of this subgenus are characterised by having a uniform mesh size in the outer ectosome. The fibres within the deeper choanosome form a rectangular mesh and are cored by tracts of spicules. There are no free spicules seen in the microscopic sections of these sponges.

Brief species characters:
Growth form: ramose, branching.
Mineral skeleton: siliceous.
Megescleres: monaxone.
Surface texture: porous.

Family level characters:
Most growth forms are represented in this family of sponges including encrusting, massive, vase-shaped, tubular, fan-shaped, plate-like and branching. Species within the family are differentiated by two main features; the reticulation of spicules or mesh type on the surface (ectosome) and the presence or absence of spongin fibres in the internal region of the sponge (choanosome).

Order level characters:
This order contains the greatest biodiversity of sponges with representatives inhabiting all oceans and habitat types, including freshwater bodies, of every continent in the world. Sponges of this order are characterised by a triangular mesh formed by their fibre and/or spicular skeletal elements. This is termed an isodictyal skeleton. The megasclere spicules found in haplosclerid sponges are exclusively oxeas, with either sharply pointed, or rounded (strongylote) ends. Microscleres are present in representatives of only a few genera. Some of the more common marine species are included here.

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

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Porifera
Class:
Demospongiae
Order:
Haplosclerida
Family:
Callyspongiidae
Genus:
Callyspongia
Subgenus:
Callyspongia

General Description

A pale yellow sponge species with ramose (branching) form. Size of about 20 cm.

Habitat

Reef and jetty areas, to depth of 10 m.

Sponge gardens

Reefs

Distribution guide

South Australia and 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 6675

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, Callyspongia , in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 21 Sep 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/8070

Text: creative commons cc by licence