Freshwater sponges are maily found in lakes and shallow streams. Their common green colored appearance is a result of the algae that lives on them. Like most sponges, the Fresh water sponge can also reproduce both sexually and asexually.
The Freshwater Sponge reproduces sexually by releasing its sperm into the water, allowing it to fertilize the eggs of a "female" sponge that is nearby. A larvae is then formed. This larvae will then search for a surface that will allow it to develop into a new sponge. The Freshwater Sponge reproduces asexually through budding, in which an adult sponge produces a bud that will eventually develop into another sponge. The Fresh- water Sponge will then release this gemmule or highly resistant bud before it dies, which allows the species to live on. |