Sponges
Phylum: Porifera Class: Demospongiae
Sponges are very simple filter feeding animals. They have a constant flow of water through their bodies which provides food and oxygen. There are around 10,000 species found mostly in the oceans although there are some freshwater species.
For more information on sponges in general click here
Trinidad & Tobago Sponges
Sponges are common in the seas around Trinidad and Tobago with a wide variety found on the coral reefs and in sandy bottomed areas. In the north of Tobago there are large barrel sponges that instead of being cylindrical have become slit shaped due to the strong currents. Some sponges can cause severe irritation if handled.
For profiles of selected species click here
UWIZM Collections
The collection of sponges is relatively small with only around 20 dried specimens and 30 in spirit. Most of these were collected from around Trinidad and Tobago with some recent collecting at Nelson Island.
Highlights
Display of dried sponges
Sponge sample from Nelson Island
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Last updated 12 August 2019
