Verongida

Verongida is an order of marine sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae. These sponges are characterized by their skeleton, which is composed of spongin fibers, and by the presence of spicules made of silica. Many species within Verongida exhibit a vibrant coloration, often in shades of yellow, orange, or purple. They are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting a variety of substrates including coral reefs, rocky shores, and even shipwrecks. Verongida sponges are suspension feeders, filtering small particles of organic matter from the water column. Some species are known to produce bioactive compounds, which have been investigated for potential pharmaceutical applications. Reproduction in Verongida can occur both sexually, through the release of gametes, and asexually, through budding or fragmentation. The order Verongida is a diverse group with many described species, and ongoing research continues to uncover new information about their biology and ecological roles.