Poriferan Collection

Sycon sponge
Sycon sp. sponge (centre). Sponges are primitive aquatic animals that filter food from the water. Their bodies are supported by an internal skeleton of calcium or silicon based spicules (spines)

Coloured SEM of a natural sponge
Sponge. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an unidentified sponge, phylum Porifera. The branching structure of the sponges body is supported by an internal skeleton of calcareous or

Nudibranch on a sponge C014 / 2910
Nudibranch (Flabelline exoptata) on a sponge. Nudibranchs are shell-less marine molluscs that live in seas around the world

Sponge on a reef. Red sponge (phylum Porifera) branching amongst corals on a reef. Photographed in the Red Sea, Egypt

Natural sponge C013 / 9837
Natural sponge. Close-up of a natural sponge showing its structure. Sponges (phylum Porifera) are simple multicellular aquatic animals

Natural sponge C013 / 9836
Natural sponge. Sponges (phylum Porifera) are simple multicellular aquatic animals. They have bodies full of pores and channels (seen here) that allow water to circulate through them

Sponge spicules, SEM
Sponge spicules. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spicules from a sea sponge. Sponges are primitive aquatic organisms that filter food from the water

Natural sponge, SEM
Natural sponge. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing the branching structure of the body of a natural sponge (phylum porifera)

Sponge releasing sperm. Unidentified sponge (phylum Porifera) releasing sperm (white) into the water. These male sex cells (spermatozoa) will be taken into the tissues of nearby sponges

Breadcrumb sponge (Halichondria panacea) (orange) in a rock pool. At centre left and lower right are pebbles encrusted with calcareous worm tubes excreted by the tube worm (Pomatoceros triqueter)

Sponge tissue, light micrograph
Sponge tissue. Light micrograph of a section through the body of the elephant-hide sponge (Pachymatisma johnstonia). This image shows the variety of spicules (black)

Sponge spicule, SEM
Sponge spicule. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a spicule from a sponge (order Porifera). A sponge is a primitive aquatic organism that filters food from the water

Lamberts worm sea cucumbers (Synaptula lamperti, white) on a giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria). This small white sea cucumber lives in groups

Freshwater sponge, SEM
Freshwater sponge (Spongilla sp.), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Magnification: x4000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

Painted frogfish on sponges. Juvenile painted frogfish (Antennarius pictus) on yellow sponges. Photographed off Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Hingebeak shrimp on a sponge
Hingebeak shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) on a sponge. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Starfish and sea squirts on a reef. Fromia nodosa starfish with sea squirts, soft corals and sponges on a reef. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Sponge crab. Close-up of a Dromidiopsis australiensis sponge crab with its sponge. Sponge crabs are known for their ability to shape a living sponge into a portable shelter

Painted frogfish. Juvenile painted frogfish (Antennarius pictus) camouflaged next to a sponge. Photographed off Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Hairy squat lobster on a sponge
Hairy squat lobster (Lauriea siagiani) on a sponge. Photographed off Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Blotcheye soldierfish on a reef
Blotcheye soldierfish (Myripristis berndti) swimming over a barrel sponge (centre) and featherstars (crinoids, stripy) on a reef. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Sponge and featherstars on a reef
Sponge (phylum porifera, blue) and featherstars (crinoids, feathery) on a reef. Photographed in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Graeffs sea cucumbers
Yellow sea cucumbers (Colochirus robustus) on an orange sponge. Sea cucumbers are scavengers that travel across the sea bed using their tentacles to search for plankton

Giant barrel sponge (Xestopongia testudinaria, centre) on a coral reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Sponge on coral. Sponge (red) attached to black coral (order Antipatharia, white). Photographed oof Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Goldbelly damsel fish
Goldbelly damsel (Pomacentrus auriventris) fish over a sponge. Photographed in Indonesia

Philippines chromis (Chromis scotochiloptera) in a barrel sponge. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Tropical reef. Panda butterflyfish (Chaetodon adiergastos) with barrel sponges on a coral reef near a jetty (top). Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Thorny oyster and red sponge. Thorny oyster (Spondylus varians) with a red sponge (red, bottom) covering its shell. Thorny oysters are filter feeders and are common on steep reefs and walls

Lyretail anthias fish
Lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) fish amongst coral, sponges and crinoids. This fish is also known as the sea goldie

Skeleton shrimp on a sponge. Group of skeleton shrimp (Caprella septentrionalis) waiting to catch their prey. Skeleton shrimp mimic the colour and shape of the fronds of seaweed

Polychaete marine worm on a sponge
Polychaete marine worm (Lepidonotus squamatus) on a natural sponge. Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Amphipods on a sponge
Amphipods (Gammarellus sp.) on a sponge. Amphipods are small crustaceans that typically have a laterally flattened body and fourteen limbs

Tube sponges. Large tube sponges growing on a reef wall. Photographed off Ambon, Indonesia

Sponges on coral reef. Barrel sponges (Xestopongia sp.) and leather corals growing on a reef. Photographed off Misool, West Papua, Indonesia

Giant frogfish on a large sponge
Giant frogfish (Antennarius commersonii) on a large sponge. Frogfish are ambush predators that rely on camouflage to remain undetected by their prey

Butterflyfish inside a barrel sponge
Butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae) inside a barrel sponge (Xestospongia sp.). Photographed in Bunaken Marine Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Feather star and barrel sponge. Feather star, or crinoid, growing at the mouth of a barrel sponge (Xestospongia sp.). Photographed off Komodo National Park, Komodo, Indonesia

Barrel sponge. Large barrel sponge (Xestospongia sp.) growing on a reef. Photographed off Bali, Indonesia

Tube sponge growing on a reef. Photographed off Komodo National Park, Komodo, Indonesia

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Poriferans, commonly known as sponges, are fascinating creatures that inhabit the depths of our oceans. One remarkable example is the Sycon sponge, which showcases intricate structures and vibrant colors when observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this captivating image, we can appreciate the beauty of a natural sponge in all its glory. The symbiotic relationship between sponges and other marine organisms is also evident in this photograph. A nudibranch gracefully perches on top of a sponge, showcasing nature's interconnectedness. This mesmerizing scene reminds us of the delicate balance that exists within coral reefs, where sponges play an essential role. Speaking of coral reefs, they serve as vital ecosystems for countless species. Here we witness a stunning view of a sponge thriving amidst the vibrant corals on a reef. The presence of these natural sponges adds to the diversity and richness found within these underwater wonderlands. Zooming in closer with SEM technology reveals even more wonders hidden within sponges' microscopic world. Sponge spicules come into focus - tiny skeletal elements that provide structural support to these incredible organisms. Through SEM imagery, we gain insight into their intricate design and marvel at nature's attention to detail. These images also shed light on reproductive processes occurring within sponges' lives. Witnessing a sponge releasing sperm highlights their unique method of reproduction and contributes to our understanding of their life cycles. Poriferans or sponges are not only visually captivating but also crucial components in marine ecosystems like coral reefs. From colorful Sycon sponges viewed through an SEM lens to nudibranchs finding refuge on them; from giant barrel sponges adorning reef landscapes to microscopic spicules providing structural integrity – each aspect tells its own story about these extraordinary creatures dwelling beneath ocean waves.