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Symbiosis between methane-oxidizing bacteria and a deep-sea carnivorous cladorhizid sponge
Vacelet, J.; Fiala-Medioni, A.; Fisher, C.R.; Boury-Esnault, N. (1996). Symbiosis between methane-oxidizing bacteria and a deep-sea carnivorous cladorhizid sponge. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 145(1-3): 77-85
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic animals > Marine invertebrates
    Biology > Cytology
    Digestion
    Enzymatic activity
    Interspecific relationships > Symbiosis
    Isotopes > Carbon isotopes
    Isotopes > Nitrogen isotopes
    Microorganisms
    Symbionts
    Taxa > Species > New taxa > New species
    Water > Deep water
    Bacteria [WoRMS]; Cladorhiza Sars, 1872 [WoRMS]; Poecilosclerida [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Vacelet, J., more
  • Fiala-Medioni, A.
  • Fisher, C.R.
  • Boury-Esnault, N., more

Abstract
    Dense bush-like clumps of several hundred individuals of a new species of Cladorhiza (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) were observed near methane sources in mud volcanoes, 4718 to 4943 m deep in the Barbados Trench. The sponge tissue contains 2 main morphological types of extracellular symbiotic bacteria: small rod-shaped cells and larger coccoid cells with stacked membranes. Stable carbon isotope values, the presence of methanol dehydrogenase and ultrastructural observations all indicate that at least some of the symbionts are methanotrophic. Ultrastructural evidence of intracellular digestion of the symbionts and the stable C and N values suggest that the sponge obtains a significant portion of its nutrition from the symbionts. Ultrastructure of the sponge embryo suggests direct transmission through generations in brooded embryos. The sponge also maintains a carnivorous feeding habit on tiny swimming prey, as do other cladorhizids.

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