Tetillidae


Tetillidae is a family of marine sponges.
Tetillids are more or less spherical sponges which are found commonly in all marine habitats at all depths throughout the world. They are especially common in sedimented habitats. Over a hundred species have been described in ten genera.

Reproduction

in tetillids is quite varied, although free-swimming larvae have not been seen in this group. In some species fertilized eggs are released which settle directly onto the substrate and develop in situ. In other species the eggs develop within the body cavity of the adult sponge and are released as small adult sponges via localized breakdown of the pinacoderm.

Genera