2 research outputs found
Cultivation of Sponge Larvae: Settlement, Survival, and Growth of Juveniles
13 páginas, 12 figurasThe aim of this study was to culture sponge juveniles
from larvae. Starting from larvae we expected to
enhance the survival and growth, and to decrease the
variation in these parameters during the sponge cultures. First, settlement success, morphological changes
during metamorphosis, and survival of Dysidea avara,
Ircinia oros, Hippospongia communis, under the same
culture conditions, were compared. In a second step,
we tested the effects of flow and food on survival and
growth of juveniles from Dysidea avara and Crambe
crambe. Finally, in a third experiment, we monitored
survival and growth of juveniles of D. avara and
C. crambe transplanted to the sea to compare laboratory and field results. The results altogether indicated
that sponge culture from larvae is a promising method
for sponge supply and that laboratory culture under
controlled conditions is preferred over sea cultures in
order to prevent biomass losses during these early life
stages.This study was partially funded by the project from
the European Union INTERGEN CICYT: CTM2004-
05265-C02-02/MAR.Peer reviewe