Explore the Collection: Sponges
Sponges (Phylum: Porifera) are the simplest animals on the planet and were once considered plants by scientists. They are multi-cellular animals but do not have any form of tissues or organs.
The skeleton of sponges is usually made up of protein fibres known as spongin. In a number of sponge species this protein also contains rod-like structures (spicules) made of calcium carbonate or silica dioxide.
Adult sponges are a sessile group of animals. This means that they are fixed to the ocean floor and therefore cannot move freely to capture food. They are filter feeders and obtain their food as water passes through the network of canals that make up their bodies.
Sponges provide a safe habitat for other animals including small crabs and brittle stars.
Although the sponges found washed up on beaches are dull in appearance, live sponges are normally vividly coloured. There are at least 15 000 species of sponges worldwide and within the Dampier Archipelago 275 species have been recorded.
Did you know?
A sponge the size of a soccer ball can filter 24 000 litres of water each day. That is enough to half fill a backyard swimming pool.
Sponge Classes:
Click on any of the sponge classes below to read more.
Calcareous Sponges
Calcareous Sponges are distinguished by a skeleton composed entirely of calcium carbonate spicules. This makes them quite brittle compared to other sponges.
Read more about Calcareous Sponges…
Demosponges
Demosponges are the most commonly seen sponges when snorkeling, diving or walking along the beach. This group contains 95% of the world’s sponges.
Read more about Demosponges…
Glass Sponges
Glass sponges are so named as they possess a skeleton made of silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide is a substance used to manufacture glass.
Read more about Glass Sponges…
