Latrunculia [Latrunculia]
Description
Latrunculia is a genus within the family Latrunculiidae, known for its distinctive sponge species that inhabit marine environments. These sponges are recognized by their often irregular, branching forms and the presence of specialized, siliceous spicules that form a unique skeletal framework. These spicules are typically star-shaped, a characteristic feature of the genus. Latrunculia species are found in a variety of marine habitats, from shallow to deep waters, and are distributed globally. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity of benthic communities and serving as habitat for various marine organisms. The chemical compounds found in some Latrunculia species have also garnered interest for their potential biomedical applications.
Species

Red Sea Sponge [Latrunculia corticata]
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New Zealand Black Sponge [Latrunculia bocagei]
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Bumpy Sponge [Latrunculia brevispiculata]
View DetailsTaxonomy
Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
---|---|
Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
Order |
Poecilosclerida
Poecilosclerida
|
Family |
Latrunculiidae
Latrunculiidae
|
Statistics
- Species 3