Skeletal Variation in Embryo-Containing Specimens of Haliclona Rosea (Bowerbank) from Anglesey, North Wales

Abstract

Statistical analysis of spicule samples of 36 embryo-containing specimens of H. rosea collected in the months of May to September has revealed seasonal trends which are explicable in terms of variations in the rate of production of spicules and in the size of the spicules produced. The trends are correlated with changes in the appearance of the skeleton as seen in vertical and surface sections of the sponge specimens. A similar statistical study of 4 embryo-containing specimens of H. fistulosa indicates that there is negligible overlap in the size ranges of the spicules of the two species from Anglesey. Embryo-containing specimens were used to increase confidence in the species indentifications.