Cerrano, C.; Pansini, M.; Valisano, L.; Calcinai, B.; Sarà, M.; Bavestrello, G. (2004). Lagoon sponges from Carrie Bow Cay (Belize): ecological benefits of selective sediment incorporation. In: Pansini M, Pronzato R, Bavestrello G, Manconi R, Sarà M (eds) Sponge Science in the New Millenium. Papers contributed to the VI International Sponge Conference Rapallo (Italy) 29 September – 5 October 2002. Bollettino dei Musei e degli Istituti Biologici dell'Universitá di Genova. 68, 239-252.

280903

Cerrano, C.; Pansini, M.; Valisano, L.; Calcinai, B.; Sarà, M.; Bavestrello, G.

2004

68, 239-252

Publication

Proceedings of the 6th International Sponge Conference

Available for editors   [request]

Sponges living in tropical lagoons on mobile substrata face many challenges. The most important requirement is stable anchoring allowing the sponge to grow with defined polarity. We determined the anchoring ability for thirteen common species in the lagoon of Carrie Bow Cay (Belize) by evaluating the type and amount of incorporated sediments and comparing them with the nearby substrate components. In the example of Tectitethya crypta, sediment is not merely utilised as substratum but serves also the sponge's structural organisation. Sand is transported into the body where it is organised in patterns that are determined by granulometry and sponge size. The transport is performed by an unusual type of cell characterized by its size (between 40 and 150 µm) and the presence of inclusions. Sediment incorporation processes strongly affect sponge ontogeny.

Caribbean region

Ecology

Porifera

RIS (EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite, RefWorks)
BibTex (BibDesk, LaTeX)

[Back to search]