Story: Marine animals without backbones

Sponges (1st of 3)

Sponges

These distinctive coastal sponges are common around New Zealand. They live in shaded locations such as tidal caves and overhangs. About the size and shape of golf balls, the yellow–orange species is Tethya aurantium, and the pink species is Tethya ingalli. Both reproduce by budding – they send out narrow extensions from their lower bodies which develop new little sponges at their tips.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10045866

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How to cite this page:

Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, 'Marine animals without backbones - Sponges and jellies', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5791/sponges (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006