The phylum porifera has three classes which are calcarea, hyalospongiae and demospongiae. The calcarea are also known as lime sponge. They have spicules which are calcareous in nature. They have collared flagellate cells. They are mainly marine in their habitat. The hyalospongiae are also known as six glass sponge. They have spicules which are siliceous in nature. They have small choanocytes. They are mainly marine and occur in deep sea. The demospongiae are also known as frame sponge. They have spicules which are siliceous in nature along with sponging fibres. They have small choanocytes. They are not mainly marine and do occur in fresh water.
Leucosolenia are calcarea type of sponge and are attached to the rock. Budding and regeneration are the main methods of asexual reproduction. They are the simple type of sponge which occur in colonies and has tubes. The tubes are made up of ostia.
Sycon are calcarea type of sponge and are attached to the rock in a marine environment. Budding is the main method of asexual reproduction. They are the slender type of sponge which has tubes. The tubes are made up of ostia.
Euplectella is also known as the venus flower basket. It occurs in deep sea water. They are attached to the rock and have spicules which are made up of silicon. Microorganisms are their main source of food. Their mode of reproduction is both sexual as well as asexual. It contains parietal gaps and the oscular sieve plate. It is mainly used as a recreation interest object in museums. It is quite popular in Japan.
Spongia is also known as the bath sponge. It occurs in the shallow water and depends on microscopic organisms for survival. It is round in shape with the leathery surface. Their body is mainly made up of spongin fibres and has projections which are well supported. Its skeleton is mainly used for washing and cleaning. It plays an important role in cosmetics and act as a sound absorber in the theatres. They are also used in packing the materials.
