Morphological Description of Subtidal Sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) Inhabiting Preselected Sites in Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas, Philippines
J.P.C. Tan, F.L.G. Zuniega, W.R. Licuanan, and F.G. Claveria (pp. 112-134)
Abstract
The study presents findings on the survey of sponges inhabiting nine preselected sampling stations along the coastline of Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas, Philippines, and a comparison of data with those earlier reported in the same location in 1995. Collection sites were determined using a global positioning system (GPS) device. Specimens were examined based on shape, color of live and preserved specimens, consistency, feel of surface texture and presence of structures like microhispid projections, spines, conuli, presence of apertures/holes and distribution, and size of ostia and osculum. The 24 specimens collected all belong to Demospongiae, of which 21 sponges were classified as belonging to 10 families, namely, Microcionidae, Axinellidae, Halichondriidae, Callyspongiidae, Chalinidae, Niphatiidae, Petrosiidae, Irciniidae, Chondropsidae, Clionidae, and 14 genera. The sponge identified was dominated by Family Chalinidae comprising seven specimens of Genus Haliclona collected in five different sites representing 29.2% (n = 7) of the collection. Only three species were identified and verified, namely, Chalinula nematifera, Callyspongia (Cladochalina) samarensis, and Xestospongia testudinaria. A close monitor of the underlying factors affecting species diversity, including loss, re-emergence, and/or emergence of new species at Talim Bay is highly recommended.