Sponge

Demospongiae

Last updated: April 3, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© V.Devolder/Shutterstock.com

Some people use sponges as sponges


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Sponge Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Porifera
Class
Demospongiae
Scientific Name
Demospongiae

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Sponge Conservation Status

Sponge Locations

Sponge Locations

Sponge Facts

Main Prey
Plankton, Mollusks, Crustaceans
Group Behavior
  • Colony
Fun Fact
Some people use sponges as sponges
Estimated Population Size
unknown
Biggest Threat
Climate change, habitat destruction
Most Distinctive Feature
Surface pores
Habitat
oceans, seas, lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
1,000s
Lifestyle
  • Sedentary
Type
Metazoa
Common Name
Sponge
Location
Worldwide
Slogan
There are more than 9,000 known species!

Sponge Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Yellow
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Orange
Skin Type
Porous
Lifespan
15-30 years
Weight
20lbs
Length
0.25m - 2m (0.8f - 6ft)

View all of the Sponge images!



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Sponges are one of the simplest, and perhaps oldest, animals on the entire planet.

They are marine animals that are easily mistaken for plant life due to their lack of nervous system, internal organs, and mobility.

All sponges belong to the taxonomic phylum Porifera, which is part of the kingdom Animalia and encompasses over 500 genera and between 5,000 and 10,000 different species.

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All sponges are aquatic animals with the vast majority living in saltwater environments.

An Incredible Animal: 4 Sponge facts!

Animals that reproduce asexually – sponge

Sponges reproduce by both asexual and sexual means.

©NaturePicsFilms/Shutterstock.com



  • Open Circulation: Unlike most animals, sponges have an open circulatory system that relies on water movement to function. Currents push water through open pores and internal channels that allow for respiration, feeding, and waste removal.
  • Flexible Propagation: Sponges conduct both sexual and asexual reproduction. Many are hermaphrodites, with some switching between male and female roles sequentially.
  • Name That Fits: The scientific name for the sponge phylum, Porifera, literally means “pore-bearer.”
  • Slow Mover: Even though adult sponges are essentially stationary animals, they can move very slowly along surfaces through a process of cell transportation.

Evolution and Origins

According to an article from New Scientist, the emergence of sea sponges on Earth was previously believed to have occurred much later in history.

However, the discovery of new chemical evidence indicates that this animal group actually evolved much earlier than previously estimated, dating back approximately 120 million years before the previous estimation.

About 2.5 billion years ago, the first animal on Earth emerged in the form of an ancient sponge. Sponges come in various sizes and shapes and their bodies are comprised of a collection of cells that are bound together by collagen, a unique protein found in all animals.

Additionally, the evolutionary significance of sponges, ctenophores, placozoans, and cnidarians lies in the fact that they mark the time period in which organized animal tissues were initially formed, fundamental cell types such as neurons and myocytes originated, and mechanisms for developmental patterning evolved.

Classification and Scientific Name

Sea Sponge

Colorful red finger sponge and brown tube sponges on Belize reef

©iStock.com/dsabo

All sponges are members of the Porifera phylum, which means “pore bearing” or “pore bearer” in Latin. This name comes from the many visible pores that cover their surfaces. This phylum is divided into four classes: Calcarea, Hexactinellida, Demospongiae, and Homoscleromorpha. The common name of “sponge” actually traces its origins back to Ancient Greek.

Species

Animals That Don't Have a Brain - Sea Lily

Sea lilies are immobile just like sea sponges.

©Jung Hsuan/Shutterstock.com

Due to their many unique characteristics compared to all other types of animals, sponges have been designated into taxonomical isolation within their own phylum.

However, despite their many shared characteristics, there are also plenty of genetic divisions among the thousands of known species. The four existing classes within the Porifera phylum are based on key differences in physiology and habitat.

  • Demospongiae: The largest and most diverse of the four classes that include over 70 percent of known sponge species. They have soft, flesh exteriors that cover a sprawling skeletal structure that supports their vertical growth.
  • Calcarea: A much smaller class of around 400 species characterized by calcium-based spicules, which are hard and pointy growths that serve as support and defense structures. Their spicules have between 2 and 4 points and are composed of calcium carbonates, which may present as either aragonite or calcite.
  • Hexactinellida: Also known as “glass sponges, these animals are an even rarer type of sponge. They often have 4 or 6 pointed spicules made from silica compounds that lend them a unique appearance.
  • Homoscleromorpha: The smallest and most primitive of the four classes. These sponges may sprawl horizontally and have simple biological features compared to the species in the other classes.

Additionally, here is a list of the most well-known species:

  • Red encrusting sponge
  • Spongia barbara
  • Giant barrel sponge
  • Callyspongia aculeata
  • Niphates erecta
  • Agelas dispar
  • Spheciospongia vesparium
  • Erylus alleni
  • Neofibularia nolitangere
  • Corallistes typus
  • Myrmekioderma gyroderma
  • Ircinia felix
  • Cliona schmidti
  • Ectyoplasia ferox
  • Placospongia melobesioides
  • Cliona varians
  • Didiscus oxeata
  • Siphonodictyon coralliphagum
  • Batzella rubra
  • Aplysilla sulfurea
  • Mycale angulosa
  • Acanthella cubensis
  • Dysidea etheria
  • Auletta sycinularia
  • Mycale laxissima
  • Spirastrella cunctatrix
  • Geodia gibberosa
  • Chondrilla nucula
  • Agelas clathrodes
  • Ircinia strobilina
  • Cliona delitrix
  • Verongula reiswigi
  • Cliona celata
  • Amphilectus fucorum
  • Halichondria panicea
  • Desmacidon fruticosum
  • Pachymatisma johnstonia
  • Axinella damicornis
  • Chelonaplysilla noevus
  • Suberites carnosus
  • Ciocalypta penicillus
  • Axinella infundibuliformis
  • Phakellia ventilabrum
  • Dysidea fragilis
  • Haliclona oculata
  • Homaxinella subdola
  • Polymastia mamillaris
  • Adreus fascicularis
  • Polymastia boletiformis
  • Hemimycale columella
  • Tethya hibernica

Appearance

The Barrel Sponge - Similan Islands - Andaman Sea, Thailand.

The Barrel Sponge – Similan Islands – Andaman Sea, Thailand.

©Bangtalay/Shutterstock.com

With thousands of different species within the phylum, it should be no surprise that there is immense diversity among them when it comes to size, shape, and color.

Most are easily mistaken for coral or plants due to their stationary nature and rigid structure. They are often covered by a soft and fleshy exterior, but their sharp and solid spicule skeletons may be exposed as a deterrent to predators or due to damage.

All sponges are also characterized by the presence of holes along their surface and channels throughout their body. Since they lack an internal circulatory system, these pores allow water to move through naturally to provide oxygen, introduce microscopic food particles, and remove waste.

Many of these animals are tubular with a large cavity visible in the center, but they can also grow into shapes similar to trees, fans, or shapeless blobs. Depending on the species, they can also be less than 1 inch tall or well over 5 feet in height.

Sponge on a rock

Sponge on a rock

©Nick Hobgood / Creative Commons

Distribution, Population, and Habitat

Furry lobster

The furry lobster got its name from the coat of bristles that covers its body, which helps it to maintain control over its environment.

©Fiona Ayerst/Shutterstock.com

Members of the Porifera phylum are found throughout the world’s seas and oceans, as well as some lakes and other freshwater bodies.

The overwhelming majority of the roughly 9,000 known species live exclusively in marine environments, with between 100 and 200 found in freshwater ecosystems. Some researchers estimate that there are still many thousands of sponge species left to be discovered in remote areas and deep ocean environments.

Since the vast majority of species consume plankton and other microscopic life by filtering the surrounding water, they prefer clear and calm waters with minimal contamination from sediment.

They often anchor onto a hard surface, like rocks, reefs, or even shelled animals, but some can also grow roots long enough to attach to sand and other loose substrates. Populations are typically more diverse in tropical climates compared to temperate and polar ones.

Predators and Prey

What Eats Sponges?

Their lack of mobility is a serious biological vulnerability for sponges, which has compelled the development of many natural defense mechanisms. Spiny spicules on the surface and released onto the surrounding terrain help repel starfish, sea urchins, and other echinoderms that can prey on sponges. Potential predators can include various types of insects, fish, turtles, and parasites depending on habitat. Sponges are also harvested and cultivated for various commercial purposes by humans.

What Do Sponges Eat?

Most sponges are filter feeders, which means they feed passively by consuming microscopic plant and animal life from the water. There are also some species that form symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic bacteria that allow them to derive energy from sunlight.

Some smaller sponges take advantage of their size and passive mobility to prey on other animals. These so-called “boring sponges” attach to the hard exterior of shellfish and erode the shell to prey on the animal within. Clams, oysters, and other mollusks are a primary target, as well as some crustaceans.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Sexual reproduction is the typical method of propagation, but some can also conduct asexual reproduction. Most sponges are hermaphrodites, which means each individual has both male and female cells. In sexual reproduction, a sponge releases eggs into the water where they float until captured by another sponge that fertilizes them.

Sponges may conduct both activities at the same time or undergo alternating periods of releasing and fertilizing eggs. The average lifespan ranges from less than 1 year to up to 20 years, with some species able to survive for many centuries. Learn about the longest-living animals here.

Fertilized eggs are released as floating larvae that propel themselves with a layer of flagellating cells. Once they find a stable surface in a suitable environment, they attach and begin metamorphosis into a proper sponge. This process involves the movement and transformation of cells throughout the body to facilitate the development of specialized functions.

Asexual reproduction is often a survival mechanism that allows a sponge to release small colonies of cells. This process is called gemmulation and it allows a degenerating or ding adult to release small clones that might fare better in unfavorable conditions. Sponges also have profound regeneration capabilities, so small pieces may develop into fully grown clones of the original if they are broken off from the original.

Fishing and Cooking

Sponge aquaculture is a blossoming industry in many areas around the world and has the benefits of being relatively simple and having few material requirements. Farming does rely on favorable water conditions and consistent management to ensure productive yields.

While they aren’t used as a food source by humans, they do have practical applications in bathing, feminine hygiene, and as a source of biological compounds. Bioactive chemicals have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-viral potentials.

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About the Author

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.

Sponge FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Where are sponges found?

Sponges are found in all kinds of aquatic environments. Depending on species, they can thrive in coastal and tidal waters or in the abyssal depths of ocean trenches. They are found in waters of varying temperatures, ranging from balmy tropical climates to frigid polar waters. The vast majority live in saltwater, but there are some species that thrive in freshwater environments.

Is a sponge an animal?

As members of the Animalia kingdom, sponges are technically animals. They are relatively unique among animals due to their lack of organs, circulatory, or nervous system. Biologists consider them a sister group of all other animals due to how early they branched off in the taxonomic tree.

Do sponges move?

Sponges don’t possess legs and adults are rarely free-floating, but embryos and small sponges can propel themselves through the water. Some species can also conduct very slow migrations by transforming and moving individual cells along their base.

Where do sponges live?

Adult sponges live on substrates or solid surfaces in aquatic environments. Most latch onto rocks, reefs, or other solid and stable surfaces. Some sponges can root themselves in loose material, like sand, while others latch onto living organisms like turtles, crustaceans, or shellfish.

What does a sponge do?

Most sponges rely on their pores and internal channels to filter out microscopic food from the surrounding water. They also serve an important structural and symbiotic role in ecosystems, providing a source of food and shelter for many other animal species.

What do sponges eat?

Most sponges feed on plankton, which is microscopic plant and animal organisms floating in the water. Some species benefit from photosynthesis through symbiosis with bacteria and a few types of sponges actually survive by preying on mollusks and crustaceans.

What Kingdom do Sponges belong to?

Sponges belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Sponges belong to?

Sponges belong to the class Demospongiae.

What phylum to Sponges belong to?

Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera.

What type of covering do Sponges have?

Sponges are covered in Porous skin.

What are some predators of Sponges?

Predators of Sponges include fish, turtles, and echinoderms.

What is an interesting fact about Sponges?

There are more than 9,000 known species of Sponge!

What is the scientific name for the Sponge?

The scientific name for the Sponge is Demospongiae.

What is a distinguishing feature of the Sponge?

Sponges have surface pores.

What is the lifespan of a Sponge?

Sponges can live for 15 to 30 years.

What is the biggest threat to the Sponge?

The biggest threats to the Sponge are climate change and habitat destruction.

How many Sponges are left in the world?

The population size of the Sponge is unknown.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  7. NOAA Fisheries, Available here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/ecosystems/trawling-effects-sponges-alaska
  8. Marine Education Society of Australasia, Available here: http://www.mesa.edu.au/porifera/
  9. Exploring our Fluid Earth, Available here: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/biological/invertebrates/phylum-porifera
  10. Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/sponge-animal/Natural-history
  11. National Ocean Service, Available here: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/sponge.html
  12. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponge

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