Suberites domuncula is a species of sea sponge belonging to the family Suberitidae.
This species contains suberitine, a neurotoxin that can cause fatal hemolytic hemorrhaging in various animals. While it is highly toxic to fish, it is known to be preyed upon by the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata.
There are currently two accepted subspecies of this taxon: Suberites domuncula domuncula and S. domuncula latus. In 1893, Lambe described a new sponge species as Suberites latus. This was later determined to be a junior synonym of S. domuncula and merged into the species as a subspecies under the scientific name S. domuncula latus.
S. domuncula is well known for colonizing gastropod shells occupied by hermit crabs. At least 13 species of hermit crabs have been found associated with this sponge. It has also been recorded attached to the shells of live gastropods and the carapace of other crustaceans.
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Filter feederOm
OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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SedentarySedentary animals lead such a type of lifestyle in which little to or no physical activity is done. These are mostly marine bottom-dwelling animals...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withSponges are found in a variety of different marine benthic environments due to its early existence in evolution. It is commonly found in sandy and muddy habitats.
Many species of hermit crabs can be found within the Suberites domuncula sponge in the Mediterranean Sea. S. domuncula tend to grow on/within gastropod shells. When hermit crabs find a habitat within this sponge, if unfavorable conditions are encountered the sponge will then form gemmules on the outside of the shell.
Sponges are known to hold mutualistic bacteria in their mesohyl. S. domuncula produce a bacterial quorum sensing molecule, N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, that limits the host immune and apoptotic responses. This leads to an increase in phagocytosis-related genes. S. domuncula have the ability to differentiate a symbiotic bacterium from others.
Suberites domuncula experience a typical life style of the class Demospongiae. This species is made up of archeocytes and choanocytes, which act as the stem cells to the sponge.
These sponges act as filter-feeders, driving a large amount of water through a highly vascularized canal system. Bacteria taken from the water column are phagocytized in order to retrieve nutrients.
Suberites domuncula are able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. They reproduce asexually through gemmules made up of archeocytes that are enclosed by a collagenous coat. Gemmules still survive upon the death of the sponge, persisting in harsh conditions for prolonged periods of time. Gemmules hatch once conditions are right and develop into juvenile sponges over the course of a few weeks. Sexual reproduction involves the release of free-swimming larvae which then develop into juvenile sponge.
