Reproduction and Movement

Sponges are neither male or female and do not have any specialized reproductive organs. They reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction needs only one parent and one sponge does not need to come into contact with another. This form is called budding. A piece of a sponge breaks off and forms an entirely new one identical to it's parent.

During sexual reproduction the sperm is released by the "male" sponge and enters the "female" sponge. The sperm cells enter the sponge through the outer pores, where the sperm will fertilize the egg. The egg will turn into little larvae that will eventually attach itself to the ocean floor and grow into an adult sponge. Sponges must be adult to produce another sponge. An adult sponge is considered to be 3 years old.

In terms of movement, sponges are immobile. Their travel depends entirely on the moving water currents. Once a sponge finds a suitable home, it will attach itself and continue to grow and reproduce.