Suberitidae

Common Names

Members of the Suberitidae family are commonly referred to as "crumb-of-bread" sponges due to their characteristic texture. This is often a descriptive name used by both scientists and the general public. Other common names may be used depending on the specific species and geographic location.

Characteristics

Suberitidae sponges possess several distinguishing characteristics, including:

• Crumb-like texture: The sponge's body is soft and easily broken into small pieces.
• Siliceous spicules: Their skeleton is composed of small, needle-like structures called spicules made of silica.
• Variety of colors: Suberitidae sponges can exhibit a wide range of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to dull browns and grays.
• Filter feeders: They filter water through their bodies, capturing food particles and contributing to water clarity.
• Diverse habitats: Found in various marine environments, including shallow reefs, rocky shores, and deeper water.

Environments

Suberitidae sponges can be found in a range of marine habitats around the world, with some species being more specialized in their environmental preferences. They are often found in:

• Shallow reefs: In coral reef ecosystems, they contribute to biodiversity and provide habitat for other organisms.
• Rocky shores: They may colonize rocky surfaces in intertidal zones, withstanding exposure to air and fluctuating salinity.
• Deeper water: Some species are adapted to live in deeper water, often attached to hard substrates like rocks and shipwrecks.

References

For further information on Suberitidae, consult the following resources:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• PubMed
• ResearchGate