Phylum Porifera

Main Characteristics

• Body with many pores, canals or chambers through which water flows is called the canal system.
• Large aperture called osculum at the upper end.
• Body encloses a large cavity spongocoel.
• No organs, movable parts or appendages. Different kinds of cells perform different functions.
• Usually with an internal skeleton of calcareous or siliceous spicules, or of spongin fibres, or both.
• Reproduction asexual by budding; also sexual.
• Almost all marine.