Kimberley marine biota. Historical data: sponges (Porifera)

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 8 years ago

ABSTRACT – A data compilation of Kimberley sponge species housed in four Australian natural science collection institutions was undertaken by the Western Australian Museum. Just under 40% of the collected data were excluded from the synthesis described here due to insufficient species identifications, however 342 species of sponges are documented. This dataset provides baseline information for future sponge investigations in the region. The majority of the known species were widespread Indo-Pacific with a number of Australian endemics. Collection effort was biased to offshore locations. Comprehensive surveys of inshore marine habitats will provide a greater understanding of sponge diversity and abundance throughout the entire region.