The Classification of Sponge Functional Growth Forms as a Reference for Ecological Assessments
Singgih A Putra1,2, Rohani Ambo-Rappe3*, Jamaluddin Jompa3, and Nicole J de Voogd4,5

1Doctoral Program of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
2Center for Quality Assurance Development of Vocational Education in Maritime, Fisheries, Information and Communication Technology (BPPMPV KPTK), Gowa, Indonesia.
3Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
4Marine Biodiversity, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
5Institute of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Coastal biodiversity assessment and monitoring often overlook the presence of sponges (Porifera). This is due to the complexities involved in their identification, which is influenced by environmental conditions, resulting in high morphological plasticity and polymorphism. Therefore, several optional morphological characteristics (based on imagery), i.e., their appearance, and growth forms, have been proposed as a suitable monitoring method and can be applied across all oceans. In this study, the functional growth forms of shallow-subtidal sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae Sollas, 1885, were analyzed. Specimen collection was carried out from July 2020 to March 2021 in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia, using the roving technique, e.g., diving, snorkeling, or trampling. The findings revealed the identification of thirty-seven species of shallow-subtidal sponges, which were classified into five groups based on their functional growth forms, including their variations and key characteristics. This result provides valuable insights that may aid in further sponge study, coral reef monitoring, and environmental assessment activities.

Keywords: benthic survey, community assessment- field guide- identification- monitoring- shallow water- tropical coastal

Topic: Aquatic Biodiversity