Mechanisms of propagule release in the carnivorous spongeAsbestopluma occidentalis

摘要: Carnivorous sponges characteristically inhabit the deep sea, so extensive observations of biology living specimens are rare. We report on newly discovered shallow-water (<30 m depth) populations carnivorous sponge Asbestopluma occidentalis and adults larvae from this unique group sponges. In Salish Sea, British Columbia, Canada, A. exist at depths as shallow 18 m, where they co-occur with hexactinellid Adults without embryos (n =127) were collected easily maintained in laboratory for several months, allowing continuous examination live specimens. Parent naturally disassociated their tissue, facilitating larval release dispersal. Dispersed had actively beating cilia, but no swimming was observed. Larvae settled attached hours to days post-release. After release, parent reaggregated bodies into spherical balls apparently undifferentiated which could also disperse settle. Sexually mature sampled field August November, a high proportion containing late November. High-resolution photography electron microscopy verified that covered anisochelae spicules, used these capture nauplii Artemia sp. under experimental conditions; however, time-lapse showed some captured prey free themselves vigorous swimming. The occurrence abundant Sea provides rare opportunity study evolution ecology carnivory Porifera.