The Shallow Water Marine Sponges (Porifera) of Cebu, Philippines

Abstract

Thirty-three (33) species of marine sponge were identified in this study. Four were identified as possiblynew to science; a short description of these species is given here. In addition, one species has potentialfor bath sponge culture. Percent similarity of species is low between stations suggesting a highly diversesponge assemblage around the island. Clustering of the stations appears to be related to distancebetween stations.

Keywords

• sponges
• Cebu
• percentage similarity
• number of species