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 possibly new to science; a short description of these species is given here. In addition, one species has potential for bath sponge culture. Percent similarity of species is low between stations suggesting a highly diverse sponge assemblage around the island. Clustering of the stations appears to be related to distance between stations.