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Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges

Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges

Tube, barrel, and finger sponges have vertical morphologies. The tube sponge is distinguished by its long tube-shaped growths, and ranges in color from purple to blue, gray, and gray-green. The vase sponge is characterized by a large bell shape with a deep central cavity. The finger sponge is a sponge with finger-shaped lobes, or branches.

CMap

Biological Harvest is the collection of living things from the ecosystem for recreation, consumption, or sale of marine products. Boring sponges bore into the calcium carbonate skeleton of coral. Complex habitat and resources reflects the complex architecture of sessile, plant-like organisms, such as octocoral and sponges, which provides shelter and protection for small fish and other invertebrates from predators. Contact Uses, such as biological additions, physical damage, and biological harvesting, are activities in which humans create pressures through direct contact with the ecosystem. Coral is a colonial marine animal consisting of polyps. Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreational opportunities, aesthetic experiences, sense of place, and educational and research opportunities. Discharge limitations are responses to regulate and control the discharge of pollutants and the use of chemicals. Discharges are the intentional or unintentional distribution of chemicals, debris, or other pollution, into the environment as a consequence of human activities. Ecosystem monitoring and restoration refers to responses to directly alter the condition of the reef ecosystem through restoration or remediation activities, setting limits on degradation through biological criteria or water quality criteria, or improving knowledge through monitoring, mapping, and scientific research. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems . Encrusting sponges grow on top of the coral. Nutrient and contaminant processing refers to an ecosystem's ability to process and cycle contaminants and nutrients through its system. Nutrients are essential elements needed by plants and animals for growth and primarily include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, as well as minor nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, or zinc. The Reef Ecosystem includes a suite of abiotic variables that form the physical and chemical environment. Pressures are human activities that create stress on the environment. Provisioning services are the products or ecosystem goods obtained from ecosystems, including seafood, genetic and biochemical resources, pharmaceuticals, ornamental resources, and water resources. The state of the Reef Ecosystem is the condition, in terms of quantity and quality, of the abiotic and biotic components including physical, chemical, and biological variables. Reef Habitat is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the benthic components of the reef ecosystem. Reef Inhabitants are all of the motile components of the reef ecosystem, including fish, invertebrates, marine reptiles and mammals, and are quantified by their abundance, distribution, and condition. Reef Life is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the biological components of the coral reef ecosystem. Resource use management pertains to responses to regulate or limit contact activities that may directly impact coastal species through harvesting or physical damage. Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in Ecosystem Services or their perceived value. Sediment includes dirt, sand, silt, clay, and small rocks that form soil on land or soft substrate in marine habitats, and may be transported by water, wind, or human activities. Socio-Economic Drivers include the sectors that fulfill human needs for Food & Raw Materials, Water, Shelter, Health, Culture, and Security, and the Infrastructure that supports the sectors. Sponges are sessile colonial animals with soft porous bodies supported by a fibrous skeletal framework. Supporting services are ecological processes that indirectly benefit humans by maintaining a functional ecosystem for the production of other ecosystem goods and services. Toxics are chemical pollutants that are poisonous, carcinogenic, or otherwise directly harmful to humans, plants, or animals. Tube, barrel, and finger sponges have vertical morphologies.

CMap Description

Sponges provide complex habitat and resources for fish and other invertebrates. Boring sponges may erode coral skeletons. Encrusting sponges may damage coral by growing over their surface, but can also help bind the reef, facilitate recruitment of crustose coralline algae, and contribute to reef structural strength. Nutrient and contaminant processing by sponges and wetlands can improve water quality and reduces human exposure to contaminants. Sponges may be harvested for household uses, aquariums, or ornamental resources. Sponges also provide aesthetic value, contributing to recreational opportunities for snorkelers and scuba divers. Pollution and harvesting can affect survival and growth of sponges. Monitoring and scientific research can be used to track the condition and abundance of sponges, and to understand interactions with other species. Resource use management may be used to protect endangered species or limit harvesting.

Citations

Citation Year Study Location Study Type Database Topics
Angermeier, H; Kamke, J; Abdelmohsen, UR; Krohne, G; Pawlik, JR; Lindquist, NL; Hentschel, U. 2011. The pathology of sponge orange band disease affecting the Caribbean barrel sponge Xestospongia muta. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 75:218-230. 2011 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Climate; Cyanobacteria; Microorganisms; Pathogens; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
D'Aloia, CC; Majoris, JE; Buston, PM. 2011. Predictors of the distribution and abundance of a tube sponge and its resident goby. Coral Reefs 30:777-786. 2011 South & Central America; Belize Field Study & Monitoring Anemones & Zooanthids; Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Henkel, TP; Pawlik, JR. 2011. Host specialization of an obligate sponge-dwelling brittlestar. Aquatic Biology 12:37-46. 2011 Florida Field Study & Monitoring Echinoderms; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Leong, W; Pawlik, JR. 2011. Comparison of reproductive patterns among 7 Caribbean sponge species does not reveal a resource trade-off with chemical defenses. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 401:80-84. 2011 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Index or Indicator Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Pawlik, JR. 2011. The Chemical Ecology of Sponges on Caribbean Reefs: Natural Products Shape Natural Systems. Bioscience 61:888-898. 2011 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Model Climate; Pathogens; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Sponges; Stony Coral; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Rincon-Diaz, MP; Diez, CE; Van Dam, RP; Sabat, AM. 2011. Foraging Selectivity of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Culebra Archipelago, Puerto Rico. Journal of Herpetology 45:277-282. 2011 South & Central America; Florida; Puerto Rico; Caribbean Anemones & Zooanthids; Fleshy Macroalgae; Sea Turtles; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Taylor, RB; Morrison, MA; Shears, NT. 2011. Establishing baselines for recovery in a marine reserve (Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand) using local ecological knowledge. Biological Conservation 144:3038-3046. 2011 Field Study & Monitoring Apex Fish Predators; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Piscivorous Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Baeza, J. A. 2010. The symbiotic lifestyle and its evolutionary consequences: social monogamy and sex allocation in the hermaphroditic shrimp Lysmata pederseni. Naturwissenschaften 97:729-741. 2010 South & Central America; Caribbean Field Study & Monitoring Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
DeBiasse, M. B., V. P. Richards, and M. S. Shivji. 2010. Genetic assessment of connectivity in the common reef sponge, Callyspongia vaginalis (Demospongiae: Haplosclerida) reveals high population structure along the Florida reef tract. Coral Reefs 29:47-55. 2010 Florida Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Lopez-Legentil, S., P. M. Erwin, J. R. Pawlik, and B. Song. 2010. Effects of Sponge Bleaching on Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea: Distribution and Relative Expression of Ammonia Monooxygenase Genes Associated with the Barrel Sponge Xestospongia muta. Microbial Ecology 60:561-571. 2010 South & Central America; Caribbean Cyanobacteria; Microorganisms; Nutrients; Pathogens; Sediment; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
McMurray, S. E., T. P. Henkel, and J. R. Pawlik. 2010. Demographics of increasing populations of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys. Ecology 91:560-570. 2010 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Model Complex Habitat & Resources; Pathogens; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Thacker, R. W., M. C. Diaz, N. J. de Voogd, R. W. M. van Soest, C. J. Freeman, A. S. Mobley, J. LaPietra, K. Cope, and S. McKenna. 2010. Preliminary Assessment of Sponge Biodiversity on Saba Bank, Netherlands Antilles. PLoS One 5:e9622. 2010 South & Central America; Antilles; Caribbean Algae; Molluscs; Pathogens; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Lopez-Legentil, S. and J. R. Pawlik. 2009. Genetic structure of the Caribbean giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta using the I3-M11 partition of COI. Coral Reefs 28:157-165. 2009 South & Central America; Florida; Bahamas; Belize; Caribbean Pathogens; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Mcmurray, S. E. and J. R. Pawlik. 2009. A novel technique for the reattachment of large coral reef sponges. Restoration Ecology 17:192-195. 2009 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Remediation; Sponges; Stony Coral; Storms & Hurricanes; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges; Wetland & Reef Restoration
Ramirez, A. R., Y. Guerra, A. Otero, B. Garcia, C. Berry, J. Mendiola, A. Hernandez-Zanui, and M. D. Chavez. 2009. Generation of an affinity matrix useful in the purification of natural inhibitors of plasmepsin II, an antimalarial-drug target. Biotechnology and applied biochemistry 52:149-157. 2009 Cuba Octocoral; Sponges; Substrate; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Ramirez, A. R., Y. Guerra, A. Otero, B. Garcia, C. Berry, J. Mendiola, A. Hernandez-Zanui, and M. L. Chavez. 2009. Generation of an affinity matrix useful in the purification of natural inhibitors of plasmepsin II, an antimalarial-drug target. Biotechnology and applied biochemistry 52:149-157. 2009 Cuba Octocoral; Sponges; Substrate; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Lopez-Legentil, S., B. Song, S. E. Mcmurray, and J. R. Pawlik. 2008. Bleaching and stress in coral reef ecosystems: hsp70 expression by the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta. Molecular Ecology 17:1840-1849. 2008 South & Central America; Cuba; Caribbean Field Study & Monitoring; Lab Study; Index or Indicator Cyanobacteria; Microorganisms; Salinity; Sponges; Stony Coral; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
McMurray, S. E., J. E. Blum, and J. R. Pawlik. 2008. Redwood of the reef: Growth and age of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys. Marine Biology 155:159-171. 2008 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Model Complex Habitat & Resources; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Southwell, M. W., J. B. Weisz, C. S. Martens, and N. Lindquist. 2008. In situ fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from the sponge community on Conch Reef, Key Largo, Florida. Limnology and Oceanography 53:986-996. 2008 Florida; Cuba Encrusting Sponges; Nutrients; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Erwin, P. M. and R. W. Thacker. 2007. Incidence and identity of photosynthetic symbionts in Caribbean coral reef sponge assemblages. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 87:1683-1692. 2007 South & Central America; Caribbean Cyanobacteria; Mangroves; Microorganisms; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Richards, V. P., J. D. Thomas, M. J. Stanhope, and M. S. Shivji. 2007. Genetic connectivity in the Florida reef system: Comparative phylogeography of commensal invertebrates with contrasting reproductive strategies. Molecular Ecology 16:139-157. 2007 South & Central America; Florida; Belize Marine Protected Areas; Seastars; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Rutzler, K., S. Duran, and C. Piantoni. 2007. Adaptation of reef and mangrove sponges to stress: Evidence for ecological speciation exemplified by Chondrilla caribensis new species (Demospongiae, Chondrosida). Marine Ecology 28:95-111. 2007 South & Central America; US East Coast (NC, SC, GA); Belize; Caribbean Complex Habitat & Resources; Mangroves; Salinity; Sediment; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Cowart, J. D., T. P. Henkel, S. E. McMurray, and J. R. Pawlik. 2006. Sponge orange band (SOB): A pathogenic-like condition of the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Coral Reefs 25:513. 2006 Pathogens; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Duckworth, A. R., W. M. Bruck, K. E. Janda, T. P. Pitts, and P. J. McCarthy. 2006. Retention efficiencies of the coral reef sponges Aplysina lacunosa, Callyspongia vaginalis and Niphates digitalis determined by Coulter counter and plate culture analysis. Marine Biology Research 2:243-248. 2006 Florida Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Lesser, M. P. 2006. Benthic-pelagic coupling on coral reefs: Feeding and growth of Caribbean sponges. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 328:277-288. 2006 South & Central America; Florida; Bahamas; Belize; Caribbean Plankton; Sponges; Stony Coral; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Trussell, G. C., M. P. Lesser, M. R. Patterson, and S. J. Genovese. 2006. Depth-specific differences in growth of the reef sponge Callyspongia vaginalis: Role of bottom-up effects. Marine Ecology Progress Series 323:149-158. 2006 Florida Plankton; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Engel, S. and J. R. Pawlik. 2005. Interactions among Florida sponges. II. Mangrove habitats. Marine Ecology Progress Series 303:145-152. 2005 Florida Encrusting Sponges; Mangroves; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Henkel, T. P. and J. R. Pawlik. 2005. Habitat use by sponge-dwelling brittlestars. Marine Biology 146:301-313. 2005 Florida Fish; Seastars; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Jones, A. C., J. E. Blum, and J. R. Pawlik. 2005. Testing for defensive synergy in Caribbean sponges: Bad taste or glass spicules? Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 322:67-81. 2005 South & Central America; Caribbean Lab Study; Model Complex Habitat & Resources; Encrusting Sponges; Fish; Mangroves; Planktivorous Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Neuweiler, F. and D. J. Burdige. 2005. The modern calcifying sponge Spheciospongia vesparium (Lamarck, 1815), Great Bahama Bank: Implications for ancient sponge mud-mounds. Sedimentary Geology 175:89-98. 2005 Germany Calcium Carbonate Deposition; Sediment; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges; Water Depth & Sea Level
Walters, K. D. and J. R. Pawlik. 2005. Is there a trade-off between wound-healing and chemical defenses among Caribbean reef sponges? Pages 352-358 in Integrative and Comparative Biology. 2005 South & Central America; Florida; Bahamas; Caribbean Fish; Small Herbivorous Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Diaz, M. C., K. P. Smith, and K. Rutzler. 2004. Sponge species richness and abundance as indicators of mangrove epibenthic community health. Atoll Research Bulletin 17-Jan. 2004 South & Central America; Belize; Caribbean Index or Indicator Encrusting Sponges; Mangroves; Sponges; Substrate; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Kelly, S. R., P. R. Jensen, T. P. Henkel, W. Fenical, and J. R. Pawlik. 2003. Effects of Caribbean sponge extracts on bacterial attachment. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 31:175-182. 2003 South & Central America; Caribbean Microorganisms; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Leon, Y. M. and K. A. Bjorndal. 2002. Selective feeding in the hawksbill turtle, an important predator in coral reef ecosystems. Marine Ecology Progress Series 245:249-258. 2002 South & Central America; Florida; Dominican Republic; Columbia; Caribbean Sea Turtles; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Rocha, L. A., I. L. Rosa, and B. M. Feitoza. 2000. Sponge-dwelling fishes of Northeastern Brazil. Environmental Biology of Fishes 59:453-458. 2000 US East Coast (NC, SC, GA) Fish; Invertebrates; Skeletal Coral; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Waddell, B. and J. R. Pawlik. 2000. Defenses of Caribbean sponges against invertebrate predators. I. Assays with hermit crabs. Marine Ecology Progress Series 195:125-132. 2000 South & Central America; Caribbean Fish; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Waddell, B. and J. R. Pawlik. 2000. Defenses of Caribbean sponges against invertebrate predators. II. Assays with sea stars. Marine Ecology Progress Series 195:133-144. 2000 South & Central America; Florida; Bahamas; China; Caribbean Encrusting Sponges; Invertebrates; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Mangroves; Seastars; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Pile, A. J. 1999. Resource partitioning by caribbean coral reef sponges: Is there enough food for everyone ? Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 44:457-461. 1999 South & Central America; Bahamas; Caribbean Cyanobacteria; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Microorganisms; Plankton; Sponges; Substrate; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Dunlap, M. and J. R. Pawlik. 1998. Spongivory by parrotfish in Florida mangrove and reef habitats. Marine Ecology 19:325-337. 1998 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Complex Habitat & Resources; Corallivorous Fish; Fish; Large Herbivorous Fish; Mangroves; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Hill, M. S. 1998. Spongivory on Caribbean reefs releases corals from competition with sponges. Oecologia 117:143-150. 1998 South & Central America; Florida; Caribbean Sea Turtles; Sponges; Stony Coral; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Pawlik, J. R. 1998. Coral reef sponges: Do predatory fishes affect their distribution? Limnology and Oceanography 43:1396-1399. 1998 South & Central America; Caribbean Encrusting Sponges; Mangroves; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Swearingen III, D. C. and J. R. Pawlik. 1998. Variability in the chemical defense of the sponge Chondrilla nucula against predatory reef fishes. Marine Biology 131:619-627. 1998 South & Central America; Florida; Bahamas; Caribbean Field Study & Monitoring; Lab Study Fish; Mangroves; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Diaz, M. C. and B. B. Ward. 1997. Sponge-mediated nitrification in tropical benthic communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series 156:97-107. 1997 South & Central America; Cuba; Belize; Caribbean Cyanobacteria; Mangroves; Microorganisms; Nutrients; Ports & Harbors; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Buttner, H. 1996. Rubble mounds of sand tilefish Malacanthus plumieri (bloch, 1787) and associated fishes in Colombia. Bulletin of Marine Science 58:248-260. 1996 South & Central America; Caribbean Complex Habitat & Resources; Fish; Skeletal Coral; Sponges; Substrate; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Chanas, B. and J. R. Pawlik. 1996. Does the skeleton of a sponge provide a defense against predatory reef fish? Oecologia 107:225-231. 1996 South & Central America; Caribbean Field Study & Monitoring Fish; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Duffy, J. E. 1996. Resource-associated population subdivision in a symbiotic coral-reef shrimp. Evolution 50:360-373. 1996 South & Central America; Panama; Caribbean Lab Study Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Snails & Conch; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Duffy, J. E. 1993. Genetic population structure in two tropical sponge-dwelling shrimps that differ in dispersal potential. Marine Biology 116:459-470. 1993 South & Central America; Florida; Belize; Panama; Caribbean Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Plankton; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Duffy, J. E. 1992. Host use patterns and demography in a guild of tropical sponge- dwelling shrimps. Marine Ecology Progress Series 90:127-138. 1992 South & Central America; Panama; Caribbean Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Skeletal Coral; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges
Vicente, V. P. 1990. Response of sponges with autotrophic endosymbionts during the coral-bleaching episode in Puerto Rico. Coral Reefs 8:199-202. 1990 South & Central America; Puerto Rico; Caribbean Algae; Cyanobacteria; Microorganisms; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges; Zooxanthellae
Corredor, J. E., C. R. Wilkinson, V. P. Vicente, J. M. Morell, and E. Otero. 1988. Nitrate release by Caribbean reef sponges. Limnology and Oceanography 33:114-120. 1988 South & Central America; Puerto Rico; Caribbean Cyanobacteria; Microorganisms; Sponges; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges; Zooxanthellae
Van Dolah, R. F., P. H. Wendt, and N. Nicholson. 1987. Effects of a research trawl on a hard-bottom assemblage of sponges and corals. Fisheries Research 5:39-54. 1987 Boring Sponges; Octocoral; Sponges; Stony Coral; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges

Management Options

Management Option Description Sources Database Topics
Resource Use Management: Develop Regulations for Sponge Fisheries Sponges play a vital role on reefs, providing structure, food and filtration. Depending on the method of removal, this process can be very destructive to other reef fauna and habitat. Research is needed to compare impacts of different sponge fishing methods in different areas. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boring Sponges; Commercial Fisheries; Contact Uses; Culture; Cyanobacteria; Educational & Research Opportunities; Encrusting Sponges; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Live Collection; Marine Products; Microorganisms; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Physical Damage; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Sponges; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges

Laws

Legal Citation Purpose of Law Management Organization Database Topics

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