Geodiidae

Geodiidae is a family of demosponges belonging to the order Astrophorida. These sponges are characterized by their distinctive skeletal structure, which is typically composed of siliceous spicules. A prominent feature of many Geodiidae species is the presence of large, glassy spheres called geodia, which are hollow and often contain a siliceous internal skeleton. These geodia can be quite prominent and give the sponges a nodular or irregular appearance. The spicules of Geodiidae are diverse and include oxeas, styles, and triactines, among other forms, contributing to the rigidity and defense of the sponge.

These sponges are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and inhabit various substrates. They are sessile organisms, anchoring themselves to rocks, coral, or other hard surfaces. Geodiidae are filter feeders, drawing water through their porous bodies and extracting microscopic food particles. Reproduction in Geodiidae can occur both sexually and asexually. They play a role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat for other small organisms and by contributing to the structure of the seabed. Research on Geodiidae continues to explore their biodiversity, ecological significance, and potential biomedical applications.