Manconi, R.; Ledda, F.D.; Serusi, A.; Corso, G.; Stocchino, G.A. (2009). Sponges of marine caves: Notes on the status of the Mediterranean palaeoendemic Petrobiona massiliana (Porifera: Calcarea: Lithonida) with new records from Sardinia. Italian Journal of Zoology. 76: 306-315.
Manconi, R.; Ledda, F.D.; Serusi, A.; Corso, G.; Stocchino, G.A.
2009
Sponges of marine caves: Notes on the status of the Mediterranean palaeoendemic <i>Petrobiona massiliana</i> (Porifera: Calcarea: Lithonida) with new records from Sardinia
Italian Journal of Zoology
76: 306-315
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The discovery of conspicuous populations of the rare species Petrobiona massiliana is reported from shallow water karstic caves of Sardinia. The morphological comparative analysis versus previous data from the entire geographic range highlights that spicular traits seem to be highly conservative in contrast with a notable plasticity of growth form. Lifestyle and adaptive strategies that favoured the successful spread of P. massiliana in karstic caves and its persistence as extremely isolated populations in a fragmented habitat are discussed together with potential environmental constraints. The data indicate that conservation of this Mediterranean palaeoendemic species with a spot-like distribution may be a challenge for the western Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas to confer protection to numerous co-occurring cave-dwelling species.
