Sponges
The most primitive of multicellular invertebrates, the sponges can take on various shapes and sizes, which are determined by the type of substrate and the velocity if the currents. Some sponges grow upright, in a branching tube or vase-like form, while others are encrusting and grow on the surfaces of rocks and other areas. There are over 15,000 known species of sponges, with more being discovered each day. Approximately 250 species exist in the Northwest.
The most primitive of multicellular invertebrates, the sponges can take on various shapes and sizes, which are determined by the type of substrate and the velocity if the currents. Some sponges grow upright, in a branching tube or vase-like form, while others are encrusting and grow on the surfaces of rocks and other areas. There are over 15,000 known species of sponges, with more being discovered each day. Approximately 250 species exist in the Northwest.
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Glove sponge (Neoesperiopsis digitata) |
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Orange finger sponge (Neoesperiopsis rigida) |
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Cloud sponge (Aphrocallistes vastus) |