Post-larval development of the commercial sponge Spongia officinalis L. (Porifera, Demospongiae)

Abstract This study investigated the development of the larvae of Spongia officinalis in experimental conditions, after settlement on plastic substrates, using electron and light microscopy. The released larvae show a dark pigmented ring distinguishes the posterior larval pole. The youngest larvae,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tissue & cell 2007-10, Vol.39 (5), p.325-334
Main Authors: Gaino, E, Baldacconi, R, Corriero, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced Basic Science
Animals
Cell Death - physiology
Cell Differentiation - physiology
Cell Polarity - physiology
Collagen - physiology
Collagen - ultrastructure
Epithelial Cells - physiology
Epithelial Cells - ultrastructure
Flagella - physiology
Flagella - ultrastructure
Larva - growth & development
Larva - ultrastructure
Larvae
Locomotion - physiology
Marine
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis, Biological - physiology
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Porifera
Porifera - growth & development
Porifera - ultrastructure
Spongia officinalis
Swimming - physiology
Ultrastructure
Vacuoles - physiology
Vacuoles - ultrastructure
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Summary:Abstract This study investigated the development of the larvae of Spongia officinalis in experimental conditions, after settlement on plastic substrates, using electron and light microscopy. The released larvae show a dark pigmented ring distinguishes the posterior larval pole. The youngest larvae, covered with a flagellate epithelium, move onwards by rotating on their longitudinal axis. Over time a creeping-like motion prevails, probably linked to the need for settlement. After a free-swimming period of 24–48 h, larvae settle on the artificial substrate by the anterior pole. At settlement, the flagellate epithelium is substituted by flattened cells, which delimit the outermost surface. Post-larvae were reared to about three months. The early phase of post-larval differentiation shows a solid interior mainly consisting of granular cells varying in shape and size. They are included in a dense collagen matrix that contains a conspicuous amount of bacteria. Lacunae are already evident in the initial phase of metamorphosis. In several of them, cell debris and nucleate cells are visible. This feature is consistent with a progressive reduction of the cell mass (autolysis). Neither choanocyte chambers nor canals differentiate. The morphogenetic process leads to a metamorph only consisting of vacuolated cells and collagen fibrils included in a thin fibrous coat.
ISSN:0040-8166
1532-3072
DOI:10.1016/j.tice.2007.06.006