Harmelin, J.-G.; Boury-Esnault, N.; Vacelet, J. (1994). A bryozoan-sponge symbiosis: the association between Smittina cervicornis and Halisarca cf. dujardini in the Mediterranean. in: P.J. Hayward, J.S. Ryland & P.D. Taylor (eds). Biology and Palaeobiology of Bryozoans. pp 69-74. In: Hayward, P.J., Ryland, J.S., & Taylor, P.D., (editors), Biology and Palaeobiology of Bryozoans: 69- 74. Olsen & Olsen, Fredensborg.
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Harmelin, J.-G.; Boury-Esnault, N.; Vacelet, J.
1994
A bryozoan-sponge symbiosis: the association between <i>Smittina cervicornis</i> and <i>Halisarca cf. dujardini</i> in the Mediterranean. <i>in</i>: P.J. Hayward, J.S. Ryland & P.D. Taylor (eds). Biology and Palaeobiology of Bryozoans. pp 69-74
In: Hayward, P.J., Ryland, J.S., & Taylor, P.D., (editors), Biology and Palaeobiology of Bryozoans: 69- 74. Olsen & Olsen, Fredensborg
In the NW Mediterranean, the large adeoniform ascophoran Smittina cervicornis is regularly overgrown by a skeleton-free Demospongiae, Halisarca cf. dujardini. This association concerns most colonies in a wide range of rocky and sandy habitats (15-65 rn). On the other hand, this sponge was never observed on the other syntopic rigidly erect bryozoans. The sponge forms a thin sheath which borders the orifices and covers the growing tips of the bryozoan, apparently without affecting the lophophore protrusion and colony growth. Zooidal dimensions are larger on Halisarca-coated branches, especially the length and width of the autozooids (+16 %) and the height of the lateral peristomes (+63 Oh). The Halisarca coating does not preclude overgrowth by other epibionts. The morphological organization of the sponge on the Smittina branches suggests mutualistic relationships based on cooperative feeding currents.