Coscinaraeidae

Common Names

There are no common names for this family of sponges, as they are primarily known by their scientific name, Coscinaraeidae.

Characteristics

Coscinaraeidae sponges are characterized by the following features:

• Skeleton: Composed of siliceous spicules, often arranged in a reticulate network.
• Spicules: Usually megascleres, including strongyles, oxeas, and styles, and microscleres such as asters, and sigmas.
• Body form: Variable, including vase-shaped, branching, and encrusting forms.
• Color: Typically pale, with a range from white to yellowish.

Environments

Coscinaraeidae sponges are primarily found in deep-sea environments, particularly in the bathyal and abyssal zones. They often inhabit soft sediment substrates, such as mud and sand. These sponges are adapted to the harsh conditions of the deep sea, including low temperatures, high pressure, and limited food availability.

References

• WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species
• Deep-Sea Sponges: A Review of Their Diversity, Ecology, and Bioprospecting Potential