Ecology of Sponges

Abstract

THE statement has often been made that sponges can be found growing almost up to high-tide mark. As a result of close observation over miles of shore in a dozen different localities on the south and west coasts of Britain during the past twelve months, I have no hesitation in saying that only exceptionally are sponges found above mid-tide level. Even then, the most to be seen are a few undersized specimens of Hymeniacidon perlevis (= H. sanguinea Auctt.) in damp sheltered crevices protected from swirl and direct sunlight; and these are no more than a foot above mid-tide.