Sponges of the New Caledonian lagoon - IRD
Sponges of the New Caledonian lagoon - IRD
Sponges of the New Caledonian lagoon - IRD
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22<br />
<strong>Sponges</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
Coledonion<br />
Logoon<br />
M<br />
ost divers and reef explorers have undoubtedly seen <strong>the</strong>se amazing,<br />
apparently very simple animals. They are particularly prevalent in <strong>the</strong><br />
upper levels <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Caledonian</strong> reefs, providing a spectacular mosaic<br />
<strong>of</strong> diverse shapes and vibrant colours. But perhaps few people<br />
actually knew what <strong>the</strong>y were looking at. <strong>Sponges</strong> remain poorly known even today,<br />
although people are familiar with commercial "bath" sponges mainly from <strong>the</strong> eastern<br />
Mediterranean and Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico. Yet even in <strong>the</strong>se commercial species only <strong>the</strong><br />
skeleton is used and consequently few people are aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> structure, function<br />
and diversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> living sponge animals.<br />
116t Canard In front <strong>of</strong> Noumea peninsula<br />
(photo P. Laboute)<br />
N.W. Lagoon. lie des Pins<br />
(plloto C. Levl)
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