Larvae

The only Cliona larvae that has been described, is that of C. stationis, C. celata and C. virdis. The larval type of C. stationis and C. celata has been debated as to whether it is a parenchymella or amphiblastula larvae (Mariani et al. 2000). C. virdis larva was identified as a parenchymella larvae, meaning its outer layer is surrounded by flagella and is specialised for swimming (Ruppert et al. 2004).

Generally, oviparous sponges have a quick larval development. For example in C. stationis and C. tenuis larvae, metamorphosis occurred in approximately two to three days (Mariani et al. 2000; Gonzalez-Rivero et al. 2013).

Parenchymella larvae are specialised for swimming (Ruppert et al. 2004). However, it has been noted that the parenchymella larva of Cliona virdis is weakly swimming resulting in low dispersal capabilities only at short distances (Mariani et al.2000). However, the lack of swimming supposedly said to impact dispersal is counteracted by the mass production of eggs. Together with a high growth rate, this allows successful, extensive colonisation of space by the Cliona sponges(Gonzalez-Rivero et al. 2013).

Larval settlement cues are also required. This was observed in C.virdis where settlement of larvae did not occur as a result of the substratum type used, in this case plastic (Mariani et al. 2000). This also resulted in high larva mortality. Therefore, in order for larva to start developing, adequate conditions need to be met in order to cue development.