Distribution, abundance and ecology of the sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda (Phylum: Porifera, Class: Demospongiae) in a shallow lagoon of Mauritius.
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The distribution, abundance and physico-chemical parameters affecting the sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda were studied in a shallow lagoon (Albion) of Mauritius. Visual censuses were conducted along the 2 Km lagoon and GPS coordinates around sponge assemblages (patches) were noted. Sponge abundance and ecological parameters were assessed by random throws of quadrats and physico-chemical parameters, including water depth; salinity, pH, and turbidity were noted. A distribution map of Spheciospongia vagabunda was constructed on Google Earth. Two distinctive sponge patches with the largest patch averaging 15350 m 2 were identified. Spheciospongia vagabunda in Albion were mostly anchored in the sand which is an unlikely substratum for Poriferans. Some sponges were also observed next to the seagrass Syringodium filiforme . Statistical analysis (t-test) showed that there was a significant difference among sponge size between both sponge assemblages (t = 3.01; p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA analysis indicated that physico-chemical parameters of surrounding water did not influence the sponge abundance within the lagoon. Spheciospongia vagabunda were mostly distributed in shallow regions (3.3 sponge/m 2 at a depth of 1.18 m). This study adds to the lack of knowledge on Mauritian sponges and also acts as a baseline study for further monitoring of these benthic animals in the Albion lagoon.
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1572082897