Verongiida

Common Names

Verongiida sponges are commonly known as tube sponges, barrel sponges, and finger sponges, reflecting their diverse morphologies.

Characteristics

Verongiida sponges are characterized by the following features:

• Spicules: Verongiida sponges typically possess a mixture of spongin fibers and siliceous spicules, often with a distinctive verongiform structure. Spongin fibers are made of a collagen-like protein and provide structural support to the sponge. Siliceous spicules are made of silica and can be found in various shapes and sizes.
• Bioactive Compounds: Verongiida sponges are known to produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor agents. These compounds have potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
• Morphology: Verongiida sponges exhibit a wide variety of forms, ranging from tubular and vase-shaped to branching and encrusting. Their morphology is influenced by factors such as water flow, substrate availability, and predation.

Environments

Verongiida sponges are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:

• Shallow Coastal Waters: Verongiida sponges are common in shallow coastal waters, where they can attach to rocks, coral reefs, and other substrates.
• Deep-Sea Habitats: Some species of Verongiida sponges inhabit deep-sea environments, where they may live on the seafloor or on the surfaces of deep-sea corals and sponges.

References

For more information on Verongiida sponges, refer to the following resources:

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