Oscarellidae [Oscarellidae]

Description

Oscarellidae is another family within the order Homosclerophorida, distinguished by its members' lack of mineralized spicules, a characteristic that sets them apart from many other sponge families. Oscarellidae sponges have a simple, often thinly encrusting morphology, and they are known to inhabit a range of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky substrates, and muddy or sandy bottoms. These sponges play crucial ecological roles, particularly in filtering water and thereby contributing to the clarity and quality of their marine habitats. Their structure and mode of life also make them interesting subjects for studying the evolution of multicellularity and symbiotic relationships in marine ecosystems.

Genera

Taxonomy