Morphological Notes on Marine Sponges of the Class Demospongiae and One Calcarea from Lakshadweep
Sivaleela G. *
Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, 130 Santhome High Road, Chennai- 600028, India.
Titus Immanuel
Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, 130 Santhome High Road, Chennai- 600028, India.
R.Rajendar Kumar
Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, 130 Santhome High Road, Chennai- 600028, India.
Surendar C.
Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, 130 Santhome High Road, Chennai- 600028, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study expands knowledge on Lakshadweep’s sponge diversity, documenting a new species Scalarispongia androthensis n.sp. and four new regional records. These findings enhance understanding of coral reef ecosystems and support future conservation and biodiversity research.
Keywords: Arabian sea, coral reef, Island, sponge diversity