![]() ![]() On learning how to identify sponges in NIWA’s guide, you learn that the surface of the sponge can be smooth, spiky, bumpy or hairy, while its texture may be fragile, crumbly, elastic, fleshy, stony, or even woody. Some also hold climate change information in their annular growth rings. If sedimentation is too high, or water too polluted, they disappear. Sponges perform an important role in the sea as environmental sentinels. Meanwhile, the water continues on its way, being pumped through the choanocyte chamber and out through large exhalent holes called oscules. These cells capture the food and essentially ‘pass the parcel’ to other cells that deal with digestion, secretion, excretion, reproduction and defence. Essentially, cells called choanocytes, found within internal chambers connected to pores on the surface of the sponge, bear whip-like hairs that draw water in through the external pores (ostia). But how is that achieved without a mouth? The name of their phylum, Porifera, provides the clue – ‘pore-bearer’. The majority of sponges are filter-feeders – they feed by straining food particles from water – like baleen whales and shellfish. Tethya bergquistae, the pink golf ball sponge ![]() Amazingly, some even live in freshwater, including our own endemic freshwater sponge called Heterorotula kakahuensis. ![]() From intertidal rock pools to subtidal rocky reefs silty harbours to continental shelf seamounts volcanic ridges and hydrothermal vents, to the south’s deep abyssal plains. Some could be mistaken for colourful splashes of paint on rocks, while others have incredible structures more reminiscent of lace, seaweed, or fungi. Sponges are the most common marine invertebrates around New Zealand’s coastline. □: Dan Sharp, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Tauranga This example features Latrunculia procumbens, a sponge reminiscent of fungi. An example of the image that accompanies each sponge description on the NIWA Splendid Sponges e-guides, including information on the species classification, taxonomic name and quick id icons. ![]()
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