Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Provisional photographic record of the pink puffball sponge, Oceanapia sagittaria (Porifera: Phloeodictyidae), in the dugong conservation reserve, Palk Bay, India

Volume 67 Issue 2

V. Balaji, U. Udhayakumar, P. Anandhi and G. Murugesan

doi:10.6024/jmbai.2025.67.2.2615-16

Abstract

Marine sponges (Phylum Porifera) are vital components of benthic ecosystems, contributing significantly to water filtration, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision (as filter feeders). Documenting marine biodiversity in protected areas is crucial for effective conservation management and for gauging ecosystem health. This short communication reports provisional photographic observation of the pink puffball sponge Oceanapia sagittaria (family Phloeodictyidae) recorded within the Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, India. The sponge was encountered during a visual survey about 2 km near Manalmelkudi (Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu), inside India’s newly established Dugong Conservation Reserve. In situ morphological observations and underwater photographs revealed a small, prickly pink spherical sponge (~1–2 cm diameter) with a short conical “capitate” stem, a diagnostic feature of O. sagittaria, protruding from the seabed. The observed morphology closely matches descriptions of O. sagittaria from other Indo-Pacific localities. Evidenced with the photographic record, this finding represents a significant range extension for the species, enriching the biodiversity inventory of the Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve. The presence of this sponge at a seagrass restoration site may indicate improving habitat quality, underscoring the potential ecological success of ongoing conservation and restoration efforts in the region.

Keywords

Oceanapia sagittaria, Marine Sponge, Dugong Conservation Reserve, Palk Bay, Porifer, seagrass restoration, biodiversity

Date : 03-12-2025