Suberitida
Suberitida is an order of sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae. These sponges are characterized by their distinctive skeletal structure, which consists of spongin fibers, often intertwined with spicules. The order includes a wide variety of species, ranging in size and form from small encrusting colonies to large, massive structures. They are found in a range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats.
Common Names
Members of the order Suberitida are commonly known as "suberitid sponges," reflecting their affiliation with the order. However, specific common names may be applied to individual species based on their appearance, size, or habitat.
Characteristics
Suberitid sponges exhibit several defining characteristics:
- Skeletal Structure: Primarily composed of spongin fibers, often interspersed with spicules.
- Spicule Types: May contain various types of spicules, including megascleres (larger spicules) and microscleres (smaller spicules).
- Body Form: Can be encrusting, massive, branching, or irregular in shape.
- Color: Vary in color, ranging from shades of brown, gray, yellow, orange, and red.
- Habitat: Found in a variety of marine environments, including shallow reefs, rocky shores, and deep-sea habitats.
Environments
Suberitid sponges are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans. They occupy a variety of habitats, from shallow, sunlit waters to the depths of the ocean floor. Some species are common on coral reefs, while others thrive in rocky intertidal zones or in the open ocean. Their adaptability to different environments is attributed to their diverse feeding strategies and tolerance to varying levels of salinity, temperature, and light.
References
For further information about Suberitida, consult the following resources: