sponge, porifera

Sponges are primitive, multicellular animals lacking true tissues and organs. They are filter feeders, extracting food particles from water through pores and a larger osculum. They have a porous body and unique cells called choanocytes for feeding. They are sessile as adults but have a free-swimming larval stage.

aquatic environments - freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans worldwide (shallow coastal waters to deep sea trenches)

variable, decades to centuries

Sponge life cycle involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. Larvae are free-swimming and attach to surfaces. Asexual reproduction via budding and fragmentation; sexual reproduction with hermaphroditic individuals releasing eggs and sperm. Fertilization leads to a free-swimming larva.

Historically consumed in some cultures (Mediterranean, Caribbean), but generally *not recommended* due to potential contaminants, toxicity, and poor digestibility. Limited exploration of cultured sponges as food.