Bryan, P.G. (1973). Growth Rate, Toxicity, and Distribution of the Encrusting Sponge Terpios sp. (Hadromerida: Suberitidae) in Guam, Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 9 (2): 237-242.

480909

Bryan, P.G

1973

9 (2): 237-242

Publication

Available for editors   [request]

An encrusting marine sponge, thought to be a new species of Terpios, encrusts both living and non living substrates on Guam. Growth rate, toxicity, and distribution of the sponge were studied. The sponge grew an average of 23 mm per month over a live colony of Porites lutea. Sponge growth over live corals was significantly faster (P=0.025) than growth over non living substrate. Pieces of the sponge placed on specimens of Fungia echinata killed some of the coral tissue and caused retraction of the tentacles and closure of the stomodaea. The most extensive encrustations of Terpios sp. were found along the southeast side of Guam on the reef terraces and also on the western side near Anae Island. In one area the sponge dominated most of the reef terrace for nearly a kilometer.

Mid Tropical Pacific

Biodiversity, Taxonomic and ecological diversity

Porifera

RIS (EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite, RefWorks)
BibTex (BibDesk, LaTeX)

[Back to search]