Document of bibliographic reference 392856

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Diversity and first record of Porifera (sponges) from Gujarat coast, India

Abstract

The present study represents a significant milestone in understanding sponge diversity in the Gujarat Coastal area. This investigation identified 51 sponge species and classified them into 3 classes and 28 families. Amongst the reported species, 47 species belong to class Demospongiae, followed by Calcarea and Homoscleromorpha, with 2 species, respectively. Remarkably, 24 of these species were previously undocumented along the Gujarat Coastline, while two species, Sycon grantioides Dendy, 1916 and Halichondria (Halichondria) tenuiramosa Dendy, 1922 only reported from the Gujarat Coast in India. Our research involved exploring 11 sites along the coast, with the primary objective of documenting intertidal sponges and exploring valuable insights into their habitat preferences. The study also includes information on the distribution patterns of these species within the region. Except for a few bio-eroding boring sponges, most of the recorded sponge species exhibit an encrusting growth habit. They are typically found in habitats beneath the rocks, zoanthid beds, shallow rock pools, coralline beds, caves-crevices and in close association with other macrofauna and seaweeds. This diverse range of habitats suggests the adaptability and resilience of these sponges in various ecological niches along the Gujarat Coast. The finding of many new records highlights the necessity of ongoing study and conservation initiatives to protect the diverse marine biodiversity of the Gujarat Coastline.

Bibliographic citation

Sabapara, S.; Poriya, P. (2024). Diversity and first record of Porifera (sponges) from Gujarat coast, India. Indo Pacific Journal of Ocean Life 8(1): 24-38. https://dx.doi.org/10.13057/oceanlife/o080103

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true