Sponge Reproduction
• Asexual– Budding– Fragmentation– Gemmule formation (internal buds)
Gemmules
• Large mass of archaeocytes (amoebocytes)
• Formed during harsh conditions
• Environmentally resistant
• When ready, archaeocytes are released form new sponges.
FRESHWATER SPONGES
PORIFERA: SPONGILLIDAE
Ephydatia fluviatilis
M
G
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmoscleres And Megascleres
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmules
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmules
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmule
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmule Surface
Ephydatia fluviatilis Gemmoscleres Birotulate
Spongilla lacustris
Spongilla lacustris
Spongilla lacustris Megascleres And Microscleres
m
M
Spongilla lacustris Gemmules With Micropyle
Mycropyle
Spicules
Spongilla lacustris Gemmoscleres Slightly Curved Amphistrongyla Covered With A Variable Number
Of Recurved Spines
Sponge Reproduction
• Sexual– Eggs from amoebocytes and sperm from collar cells
(or amoebocytes)– Sperm is released into water
• Ova fertilized in mesohyl after sperm brought in by water current
• Here, the zygote develops into a flagellated larvae: parenchymula
OR!
Fertilization The Smoking Sponges
• Mature sperm and oocytes are released into the environment through the aquiferous system.
• Fertilization takes place in the water (ovipery).
The Parenchymula larva is generally ciliated and solid.