How to Identify Calcarea Sponges
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3 min read
Calcareous sponges, which comprise the class Calcarea, are characterized by their unique calcium carbonate skeletons and account for approximately 675 accepted marine species. Identifying Calcarea requires a keen eye for physical characteristics, such as spicule type and body shape, and an understanding of their preferred habitats in the marine environment. While they can be found globally, most species prefer shallower, sheltered waters, offering a clearer path to differentiation.
