Spongillatípus

Spongillatípus refers to the larval stage of certain freshwater sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae. These larvae are free-swimming and possess a ciliated epithelium that enables them to move through the water column. The morphology of Spongillatípus can vary slightly depending on the specific sponge species, but they generally exhibit a characteristic oval or spherical shape. Internally, the larva contains archaeocytes, which are totipotent cells that will later differentiate to form the adult sponge tissues.

The primary function of the Spongillatípus stage is dispersal. Once released from the parent sponge, the larvae drift with water currents to find suitable substrates for settlement. This settlement is a critical step, as it marks the beginning of metamorphosis into the sessile adult form. The larvae are attracted to specific environmental cues, such as light intensity, water flow, and the presence of suitable surfaces like rocks, submerged vegetation, or even other invertebrates. Upon finding a favorable location, the larva attaches itself and undergoes a complex developmental process. During metamorphosis, the ciliated epithelium is lost, and the internal cells reorganize to form the characteristic porous structure of an adult sponge, including the development of oscula and ostia for water circulation and the formation of spicules for structural support.