Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ... Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

fish.wa.gov.au
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22.03.2013 Views

Sponge Porifera Often mistaken for plants, sponges are commonly found by beachcombers because their skeletons are strong enough to survive the waves that wash them ashore. These sponges have lost their bright colours but generally retain the shape they had when alive. Sponges have no mouth, internal organs or nerves. Instead, their body is full of tiny holes, which help them to eat and breathe by fi ltering seawater. Photo: David Fairclough Did you know? Spicules are microscopic structures that provide a support or skeleton for the animal. These hard spicules are made of either calcium carbonate (limestone) or glassy silica, and vary in size and shape.

Photo: Michelle Dyer Bryozoan

Photo: Michelle Dyer<br />

Bryozoan

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