The distribution of sea sponges is worldwide, and they live in the oceans from polar to tropic regions. Some of these species use sticky threads or hooked spicules to capture prey, and most of them live in deep waters. The species of sea sponges living in waters with an inadequate supply of food prey on crustaceans and other small animals, hence they are referred to as the carnivorous sponges. Sea sponges also grow on the coral reefs or near those places where they can access plenty of particles rich in nutrients. For sustenance, sea sponges have the ability to digest tiny organisms and large particles. They are not picky because they feed on whatever the ocean current carries. Most sea sponges feed on microscopic life forms and organic debris particles. They, therefore, feed by filtering food particles out of the water that flows through them. The water flow helps them by supporting all these functions. Sea sponges lack distinct digestive, circulatory, excretory and respiratory systems. Some sea sponges are branched, some are in masses or encrustations, and some look like tall vases. Some of them appear as a low-lying crust on a rock just like the liver sponge while others are even taller that human beings. ![]() Moreover, sea sponges come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. The numerous pores in their bodies help the sea sponges draw water in from which they get their food. They have water intake and outlet openings (pores) though few of them (the carnivores) have lost the water flow systems. They do not move when they are touched because they lack the nervous system. Sea sponges are multicelled immobile animals of phylum Porifera. Sea Sponge Facts - Animals of the Ocean A Mediterrean sea sponge in Italy.
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