Symbiosis between methane-oxidizing bacteria and a deep-sea carnivorous cladorhizid sponge
Vacelet, J.; Fiala-Medioni, A.; Fisher, C.R.; Boury-Esnault, N. (1996). Symbiosis between methane-oxidizing bacteria and a deep-sea carnivorous cladorhizid sponge. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 145(1-3): 77-85 In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more |  |
| Keywords | Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic animals > Marine invertebrates
Biology > Cytology
Digestion
Enzymatic activity
Interspecific relationships > Symbiosis
Isotopes > Carbon isotopes
Isotopes > Nitrogen isotopes
Microorganisms
Symbionts
Taxa > Species > New taxa > New species
Water > Deep water
Bacteria [WoRMS]; Cladorhiza Sars, 1872 [WoRMS]; Poecilosclerida [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Vacelet, J., more
- Fiala-Medioni, A.
- Fisher, C.R.
- Boury-Esnault, N., more
| | |
| Abstract | Dense bush-like clumps of several hundred individuals of a new species of Cladorhiza (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) were observed near methane sources in mud volcanoes, 4718 to 4943 m deep in the Barbados Trench. The sponge tissue contains 2 main morphological types of extracellular symbiotic bacteria: small rod-shaped cells and larger coccoid cells with stacked membranes. Stable carbon isotope values, the presence of methanol dehydrogenase and ultrastructural observations all indicate that at least some of the symbionts are methanotrophic. Ultrastructural evidence of intracellular digestion of the symbionts and the stable C and N values suggest that the sponge obtains a significant portion of its nutrition from the symbionts. Ultrastructure of the sponge embryo suggests direct transmission through generations in brooded embryos. The sponge also maintains a carnivorous feeding habit on tiny swimming prey, as do other cladorhizids. |
|
