More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Sponges of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM PORIFERA
Chondrilla
Chondrilla (Genus)
-Demosponges (Class Demospongiae)
-Subclass Verongimorpha
-Order Chondrillida
-Family Chondrillidae
-Genus Chondrilla
Chondrilla is a genus of marine sponges in the family Chondrillidae, commonly known as chicken-liver sponges. These sponges are widespread in tropical and subtropical seas, especially on coral reefs, rocky substrates, and hard surfaces in shallow coastal waters. Species of Chondrilla typically form encrusting sheets, cushions, or irregular lobes that adhere tightly to rock or coral. Their texture is firm yet somewhat rubbery, and their surface is usually smooth with small, scattered pores (ostia) and slightly raised openings (oscula) through which water exits.
Description
• Chondrilla is a genus of marine sponges in the family Chondrillidae, class Demospongiae. These sponges typically form smooth, rounded, cushion-like or encrusting masses with a firm, rubbery texture. Their surfaces may be brown, yellowish, olive, or grey, and they lack the conspicuous mineral spicules found in many other sponge groups.
Range
• Species of Chondrilla occur in tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide, including the Caribbean, the Indo-Pacific, and the eastern Pacific. The genus is represented in the waters of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• Chondrilla sponges commonly attach to rocks, coral rubble, and other hard surfaces on shallow reefs and rocky seafloors. They may grow over other organisms and surfaces, forming low, spreading masses in well-lit coastal waters.
Diet
• Chondrilla are filter feeders that draw water through pores and internal canals, capturing bacteria, tiny plankton, and suspended organic particles. Some species also host photosynthetic microorganisms that contribute nutrients to the sponge.