Cultivation of sponge larvae: settlement, survival, and growth of juveniles.

The aim of this study was to culture sponge juveniles from larvae. Starting from larvae we expected to enhance the survival and growth, and to decrease the variation in these parameters during the sponge cultures. First, settlement success, morphological changes during metamorphosis, and survival of Dysidea avara, Ircinia oros, Hippospongia communis, under the same culture conditions, were compared. In a second step, we tested the effects of flow and food on survival and growth of juveniles from Dysidea avara and Crambe crambe. Finally, in a third experiment, we monitored survival and growth of juveniles of D. avara and C. crambe transplanted to the sea to compare laboratory and field results. The results altogether indicated that sponge culture from larvae is a promising method for sponge supply and that laboratory culture under controlled conditions is preferred over sea cultures in order to prevent biomass losses during these early life stages.