Natural Sponge Collection

USA, Florida, Tarpon Springs, Greek sponge fishing town, natural sponges on sponge-diving boat

Jurassic fossils, wood engravings, published in 1876
Jurassic fossils: Hemicidaris crenularis, Cypris leguminella, Cypris tuberculata, Cypris gibbosa, Ammonites Humphriesianus, Cidaris florigemma (barb), Thecosmilia annularis

Sponge Fishing, pub. 1897 (colour litho)
2646266 Sponge Fishing, pub. 1897 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; American, out of copyright

Echinoderm, lithograph, published in 1868
Echinoderm: Top row: Sea brush, Feather star (Red crinoid), Star fish, Sponge, Feather star (Antedon mediterranea), Sponge, Bottom row: Sea urchin (Echinoidea), Tusk shell (Dentalium)

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)

Hexactinellid sponges
Illustration of a Hexactinellid sponges

Natural sponge, rounded shape, close up

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

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

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

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

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

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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"Exploring the Rich Heritage of Natural Sponges in Tarpon Springs, Florida" Located in the heart of the USA's sunshine state, Florida, lies a hidden gem known as Tarpon Springs. This quaint Greek sponge fishing town holds a fascinating history that revolves around one unique treasure - natural sponges. Dating back to ancient times, sponge diving has been an integral part of this community's livelihood. The art of harvesting these remarkable organisms from the depths of the sea has been passed down through generations. In fact, some sponges found here can be traced back to prehistoric eras like Jurassic fossils. The allure and usefulness of natural sponges were recognized long ago. Wood engravings published in 1876 depict skilled divers collecting these treasures from beneath the ocean's surface. A stunning color lithograph from 1897 showcases their vibrant beauty once they are brought ashore. One cannot help but marvel at the intricate details captured in a lithograph published in 1868 featuring an Echinoderm sponge. Its delicate structure is truly a work of art created by nature itself. Amongst various types found here is the Sycon sponge with its distinctive rounded shape when observed up close. Hexactinellid sponges also grace these waters with their ethereal presence. Captured through lens and microscope alike, images such as "Natural Sponge C013 / 9837" and "Natural Sponge C013 / 9836" reveal every nook and cranny on these incredible creatures' surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further unveils their microscopic wonders for scientists to study and appreciate. While exploring this underwater world teeming with life, one might even come across a curious creature known as the sponge crab – perfectly adapted to blend into its surroundings while benefiting from symbiotic relationships with natural sponges. Tarpon Springs stands as a testament to our connection with nature's gifts and the importance of preserving them.