Phylum: Porifera

Class: Calcarea

 

Norwegian: kalksvamper

 

(Stord - Hordaland / 2.11.2004 / 7 meters)

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These sponges have a calcareous supporting skeleton consisting of tiny (0.1-1mm), star shaped, structures - spicules. These are mainly shallow water species, found on depths less than 1000 meters.

Reproduction occurs asexually, by budding, or sexually. Eggs are fertilized and developed inside the sponge. The eggs hatches to free swimming larvae that are released into the water. They attach to the bottom within a few days.