Suberites

Suberites is a genus of marine sponges belonging to the family Suberitidae. These sponges are commonly known as “crumb-of-bread sponges” due to their texture and appearance. They are characterized by their tough, rubbery consistency and often exhibit a bright, vibrant color, ranging from yellow and orange to purple and red. Suberites sponges are found in a wide variety of marine environments, including rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species can be found at depths exceeding 100 meters. Suberites sponges are filter feeders, drawing water through their pores and extracting food particles from it. CharacteristicsSponges of the genus Suberites are characterized by their encrusting growth habit, forming thin layers or mounds on the surface of rocks, coral, and other substrates. They often have a rough, uneven surface with a crumbly texture. The color of Suberites sponges can vary greatly, with some species exhibiting vivid hues of yellow, orange, red, or purple. They are also notable for the presence of spicules, microscopic structures that provide support and defense. These spicules can be composed of silica or calcium carbonate, depending on the species.EnvironmentSuberites sponges are found in a wide range of marine environments, including coastal waters, reefs, and deeper waters. They are often found in areas with moderate water currents, as this helps them to draw in food particles. Some species are known to be particularly tolerant of polluted environments, making them valuable indicators of water quality.Common NamesSuberites sponges are commonly referred to as “crumb-of-bread sponges” due to their texture. However, they may also be known by other names depending on the specific species and geographical location. References* World Register of Marine Species* PubMed Central* ResearchGate