Agelas [Agelas]

Description

Agelas is the type genus of the family Agelasidae and comprises a group of reef-building sponges found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow to deep waters. These sponges are characterized by their robust, often branching forms and the presence of conspicuous, large pores (ostia) on their surfaces. Agelas sponges are known for producing a range of bioactive compounds, which have been of interest for their potential pharmaceutical applications. They possess a skeleton made up of spongin fibers and siliceous spicules, which gives them a firm yet flexible structure. The coloration of Agelas sponges can vary widely, including shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown, contributing to their camouflage in the marine environment. These sponges play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as habitat for a variety of marine organisms and participating in the cycling of nutrients within coral reef systems.

Species

Orange Agelas [Agelas clathrodes]

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Horrid Sponge [Agelas conifera]

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Ridged Sponge [Agelas oroides]

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Taxonomy