Tag Archives: sponge

Discovery of Six New Carnivorous Sponge Species in Australian Waters

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Marine biologists have used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover six new species of carnivorous sponges in the cladulidae family on the western edge of the Australian continent.

Abisocladia janusi. Image credit: M. Ekins & NG Wilson, doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8.

Cladriidae It is a type of carnivorous sponge that is found on ocean ridges and seamount systems around the world.

usually considered Deep-sea sponges are known for capturing prey with specialized structures.

The latest discoveries bring the number of known species of cradlefish fauna in Australian waters to 41.

New species include: Abisocladia janusi, Abisocladia Johnhupeli, Abisocladia Aurora, axonidama challengeri, Cladriza Vanesakinsand Narrabora Ningaroa.

They were collected from two deep-sea regions in Western Australia almost a thousand kilometers apart.

Abisocladia janusi One was found in the Bremer Canyon system and the other five were found in the Cape Range Canyon.

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said: “These science novice species deepen our knowledge of the cladulidae and highlight the importance of continued exploration and conservation of marine biodiversity. ” he said.

“The description and study of these new species of carnivorous sponges provides important insight into the complex marine ecosystems along Queensland's coastline and highlights the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts across the region. I’ll highlight it.”

Traditionally, carnivorous sponges have been collected for scientific research by trawling the ocean floor, but recent advances in ROV technology have enabled researchers to study these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. There has been a revolution in capabilities.

This latest discovery was made during a deep-sea expedition conducted by the Schmidt Oceanographic Institute using an ROV. Subastian Explore the rich biodiversity of Western Australia's underwater landscape.

“During the expedition, I was able to operate the ROV remotely from my desk at the museum,” said Dr Merrick Eakins, Queensland Museum's sessile marine invertebrate collection manager.

“Our research highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration and the role of technological advances in understanding marine biodiversity.”

“These sponges demonstrate the incredible adaptability of life in extreme environments and challenge our understanding of marine ecosystems.”

“The implications of these findings go beyond mere classification. They highlight the need to protect these fragile ecosystems, which are under threat from climate change and human activity.”

team's paper Published in a magazine scientific report.

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M. Ekins and NG. Wilson. 2024. A new carnivorous sponge from Western Australia (Porifera: Porifera: Cladorhididae) collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV). science officer 14, 22173; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient sponge fossil unearthed in Ireland by paleontologists dating back 315 million years

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Remarkable new species over 50 cm (20 inches) tall Chiatophicus varori is the largest known member of its genus theatophicus and one of the largest sponges in the order mesh.

Chiatophicus varori. Image credit: Botting other., doi: 10.1016/j.geobios.2023.07.004.

“theatophicus “This is one of the most widely distributed Ordovician and Silurian sponge genera, recorded throughout the Iapetus region and tentatively in Bohemia,” said lead authors Ballen and Moher. said Dr Eamon Doyle, geologist at the Cliffs UNESCO Global Geopark, and colleagues. .

“This genus was widely distributed in offshore marine environments from the Middle Ordovician to the Middle Devonian, but has not previously been recorded in rocks from that period.”

named Chiatophicus varorithe newly identified species lived during the Carboniferous period, about 315 million years ago.

When alive, the vase-shaped sponge had a circular opening at the top surrounded by a ring of eyelash-like structures.

Probably similar to modern times Venus flower basket spongefound in the Pacific Ocean and often featured in deep-sea wildlife documentaries.

“This is a very large example of a type of fossil sponge that was previously only known from much older rocks elsewhere in the world,” Dr Doyle said.

“This is the first record of a sponge fossil of this type found in Ireland and its excellent state of preservation is extremely rare.”

specimen of Chiatophicus varori collected from Kilkee Cyclosem, Central Clare Group, Namuria, County Clare,Ireland.

“Sponges originally consisted of a rectangular network of tiny needles made of silica, held together by a thin organic membrane,” Dr Doyle said.

“Normally they fall apart quickly after death, and often only scattered remains of the needles are preserved as fossils, so we were delighted to find these nearly intact specimens. .”

“This wonderfully preserved fossil dates back to a time when the Atlantic Ocean had not yet begun to form, and the area now known as County Clare was part of an early ocean located near the equator.”

“Discoveries like this help raise awareness of the amazing geological heritage we have here on our doorstep in County Clare, and inspire a new generation of palaeontologists – geologists who specialize in the study of fossils. will help encourage people to visit and learn more about the unique geology of Ireland's west coast. ”

“We were surprised by the size and well-preserved condition of this fossil. This was completely unexpected,” said lead author Dr. Joseph Botting, a researcher at Amgefa Shimul Museum in Wales and the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology. said.

“This discovery provides important insight into the evolution of sponges and how some species are able to survive in niche environments where most other species cannot live. It is unusual for a specimen to be found.”

“This is a fantastic discovery and a reminder that new and interesting fossils are still being discovered that help us understand the story of life on Earth,” said the co-authors, from the Amgefa Cymru Museum in Wales. said Dr. Lucy Muir, a researcher at . .

team's paper Published in Journal October 2023 issue geobios.

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Joseph P. Botting other. 2023. A late surviving extra-large reticulated sponge from the Carboniferous of Ireland. geobios 80: 1-13; doi: 10.1016/j.geobios.2023.07.004

Source: www.sci.news