5 simply was not enough for these marvellous creatures!

1. Sponges are argued to be the world’s first animals!

They emerged in the Precambrian period about 550 million years ago and are also known by their taxonomic name, Porifera. Porifera is old Latin for pore-bearing. 

2. Sponges have no true tissue!

Believe it or not sponges lack true tissue, this is one of the many reasons why scientist have placed them so early on in animal’s evolutionary tree. Sponges operate from functions performed by individual cells rather than a collection of tissues. 

3. Sponges are amazing filter feeders and can filter roughly 1’000 liters of water per kilogram.

As they filter, Sponges convert inorganic nitrogen in the form of ammonium into organically available nitrogen. 

4. Sponges can be Carnivorous!

Deep sea sponges have adapted to their nutrient-poor environment by becoming  carnivorous. Some Sponges such as the Harp Sponge consume small crustaceans and fish by ensnaring them with tiny hooks. While others like the Ping Pong tree Sponge rely on their many ball like structures to capture prey. Despite the method all carnivorous sponges are believed to consume their prey whole.

5. Sponges digest food just like humans!

They too rely on a microbiome of bacteria. Sponge flesh (aka spongocoel) is organized into many canals lined with choanocytes. Choanocytes have tiny hair like protrusions that collect and digest floating particles, this process relies on a microbiome of bacteria. In fact, these bacteria are responsible for converting inorganic nitrogen into organic nitrogen. This bacterium is so important to a sponge’s survival even larva have parental bacteria. You could say sponges are just large guts!

6. Sponges frequently find themselves in turf wars with coral and encrusting algae as they compete for space in reef environments.

Sponges have adapted to emit toxic chemicals to keep back competitors. These chemicals often include bio-eroding properties to break down calcium carbonate coral structures.

7. Did you know Sponges are their own pharmacy!

That’s right, sponges are a complete digesting, filtering, and pharmaceutical powerhouse! Some sponges house bacteria that produce antiviral, antifungal and antitumor compounds. For decades scientist have been studying relationships between Sponges and bacteria in search of a cure for cancer.  

8. The Eyed-Finger Sponge has adapted to high energy coastal environments by growing “FINGERS”!

This species of sponge has adapted finger like appendages in order to fully exploit its environment. The Sponges “fingers” are often pulled off the main body during storms and strong waves. The removed sections are known as gemmules and will eventually settle on the bottom, attach to a hard surface and grow. This is a type of asexual reproduction, known as budding. 

9. Dolphins use them for protection!

Another mammal using tools! Who would have guessed it would happen in the sea?? But believe it or not Dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia have been observed using large Sponges to protect their mouths when searching for bottom-dwelling fish. But why do Dolphins need to search for bottom-dwelling fish? Why can’t they use echolocation?

Echolocation works by finding fish through their swim bladders which bottom-dwelling fish lack. Therefore, Dolphins must dig through the rough ocean bottom to find bottom-dwelling fish. This process is extremely advantageous for Dolphins as fish without swim bladders tend to have a high lipid content and are consequently extremely nutritious. This information was summarized from an article by Virginia Morell entitled “Why Dolphins Wear Sponges” from Science Magazine.

10. Crabs cloak themselves in Sponges. 

That’s right we saved the best for last! Some crab species camouflage themselves by attaching Sponges to their shells. They do so by snipping off small pieces of living sponge and attaching it to their shells where they then continue to grow. The crab often gains protection as the smell and taste of Sponges repel predatory fish.