Porifera
Pieces of sponge are able to regenerate into whole new sponges. Asexual reproduction occurs by budding or by fragmentation. The buds may remain attached to the parent or separate from it, and each bud develops into a new individual. Freshwater sponges, as well as several marine species, form resistant structures called gemmules that can withstand adverse conditions such as drying or cold and later develop into new individuals. Gemmules are aggregates of sponge tissue and food, covered by a hard coating containing spicules or spongin fibers. Sexual reproduction also occurs. Most sponges are hermaphroditic, the same individual producing eggs and sperm, but in some species the sexes are separate. The larvae are flagellated and swim about freely for a short time. After settling and attaching to a suitable substrate, the larvae develop into young sponges.
Pieces of sponge are able to regenerate into whole new sponges. Asexual reproduction occurs by budding or by fragmentation. The buds may remain attached to the parent or separate from it, and each bud develops into a new individual. Freshwater sponges, as well as several marine species, form resistant structures called gemmules that can withstand adverse conditions such as drying or cold and later develop into new individuals. Gemmules are aggregates of sponge tissue and food, covered by a hard coating containing spicules or spongin fibers. Sexual reproduction also occurs. Most sponges are hermaphroditic, the same individual producing eggs and sperm, but in some species the sexes are separate. The larvae are flagellated and swim about freely for a short time. After settling and attaching to a suitable substrate, the larvae develop into young sponges.
Tube Sponges
Tube Sponges have male and female organs and reproduce sexually. They can also reproduce without sex: if a part breaks off, or fragments, it will form a new sponge.
Azure Vase Sponge
The Azure Vase Sponge has two methods of reproduction. An Azure vase sponges life cycle has two different kinds of reproduction. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is when a tiny piece of an adult sponge breaks off and it becomes a new sponge. This is caused by a cell called an archaeocyte. The archaeocyte is protected until the conditions for a new sponge to develop are right. The archeocyte hatches and becomes a new sponge. Sexual reproduction starts when an egg is formed in a parent’s body. It is fed by fluids that flow through the parents canal system. Nurse cells make sure the egg has all the nutrients it needs before joining with the sperm. The sperm and the egg are made in the same parents body. They are released into the water by a nearby male sponge. The sperm then enters the female and the sperm and egg combine forming a larva. The larva has flagella that it uses to leave the parents body. It then attaches to the bottom of the ocean and grows into an adult.
Yellow Tube Sponge
Very little is currently known about the reproductive behavior of the yellow tube sponge. Most Yellow Tube sponges studied to date are hermaphrodites, capable of producing both eggs and sperm, although some species have separate males and females. During the reproductive season, usually in the warmer summer months, eggs and sperm are released from sponges over a period of several days. The
eggs become fertilized and begin to develop as they drift, and eventually settle on a hard surface to begin growing into anew individual. Sponges can also reproduce sexually, by division and fragmentation, in the same way as many plants. Small buds form at the top of the tube year round and, eventually, these buds break off and float away to settle in another area. Similarly, pieces of the sponge that are broken off during storms and other disturbances can reattach to the bottom and grow into a new sponge.