Summary
Physical Description
Ecology
Life History & Behaviour
Reproduction
Experiment: Cell Aggregation
Nutrition
Anatomy & Physiology
Evolution & Systematics
Biogeographic Distribution
Conservation & Threats
References & Links |
Summary
Sponge/algal symbioses are not uncommon in marine waters, but in case of Haliclona cymaeformis (Esper, 1794) the relationship with its algal partner Ceratodictyon spongiosum (Zanardini 1878) is quite remarkable. At first glance, Haliclona cymaeformis is not immediately identifiable as a member of the phylum Porifera, because ~70% of the biomass of each clump consists of algal tissue (Trautman et al., 2000).
Whole Haliclona/Ceratodictyon association; found on the North Beach on Heron
Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef. (Photo: Ronja Schmidt)
Haliclona/Ceratodictyon can be found in shallow reefs and reef flats (Trautman et al., 2003) and both partners have never been found in nature as separate individuals or in association with another species (Trautman et al., 2000). This page aims to provide information on such a close relationship between two organisms that not just belong to different phyla but to different kingdoms.
How do these organisms interact with each other? How does each of them reproduce and feed? How do they benefit from the association? What kind of threats and risks result from this symbiosis? How significant is Haliclona/Ceratodictyon for the ecosystem they are a part of?
Additionally, a small experiment intends to show the remarkable capacity of sponges to reorganize themselves after the animal has been broken down.
Cross-section of a Haliclona/Ceratodictyon-branch under a dissecting microscope. (Photo: Ronja Schmidt)
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